As we wait impatiently for the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 to arrive, artists and fans celebrate the upcoming contest with preview parties and shows all around Europe. If you plan to attend or simply follow the following shows in order to get a glimpse of what your favourite act is preparing for the big show in May, this is the guide for you!
Riga, Latvia: Eurovision Pre-Party Riga 2016
The first party is right around the corner and will take place on Saturday in Riga, the capital city of Latvia. It is organised by OGAE Latvia, and will take place under the theme of Sweden, with Swedish food, Swedish exhibition and a movie about Sweden. Herrey’s, who won the Eurovision for Sweden in 1984 will attend the party as well.
WHERE AND WHEN? Spikeri Concert Hall, 2 April at 20:00 local time. Tickets can be purchased online.
Confirmed artists so far:
- Belarus – Ivan
- Bosnia & Herzegovina – Dalal & Deen feat. Ana Rucner & Jala
- Bulgaria – Poli Genova
- Estonia – Jüri Pootsmann
- Israel – Hovi Star
- Latvia – Justs
- Malta – Ira Losco
- Serbia – Sanja Vučić ZAA
- Spain – Barei
- Switzerland – Rykka
Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Eurovision In Concert 2016
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With no less than 25 confirmed countries, the Eurovision in Concert is probably the biggest preview show around. It will take place this time for the 8th year and will be hosted by Hera Björk, who represented Iceland in Eurovision 2010 and Cornald Maas.
WHERE AND WHEN? Melkweg, Lijnbaansgracht 234/A, 9 April. Tickets are sold out.
Confirmed artists:
- Albania – Eneda Tarifa
- Armenia – Iventa Mukuchyan
- Austria – Zoë
- Belarus – Ivan
- Bosnia & Herzegovina – Dalal & Deen feat. Ana Rucner & Jala
- Croatia – Nina Kraljić
- Cyprus – Minus One
- Estonia – Jüri Pootsmann
- France – Amir
- FYR Macedonia – Kaliopi
- Iceland – Greta Salóme
- Israel – Hovi Star
- Italy – Francesca Michelin
- Latvia – Justs
- Malta – Ira Losco
- Moldova – Lidia Isac
- Montenegro – Highway
- Netherlands – Douwe Bob
- Norway – Agnete
- Romania – Ovidiu Anton
- Serbia – Sanja Vucic Zaa
- Spain – Barei
- Switzerland – Rykka
- Ukraine – Jamala
- United Kingdom – Joe and Jake
London, United Kingdom: London Eurovision Party 2016
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The London Eurovision party will take place for the ninth time and will be hosted by Nicki French, who represented the UK in Eurovision 2000, and Paddy O’Connell. Among the special guests we can find Selma (Iceland 1999, 2005), Eleftheria Eleftheriou (Greece 2012) and Aminata (Latvia 2015).
WHERE AND WHEN? Café de Paris, 17 April. Tickets can be purchased online.
Confirmed artists so far:
- Austria – Zoë
- Croatia – Nina Kraljić
- Cyprus – Minus One
- Iceland – Greta Salóme
- Italy – Francesca Michielin
- Latvia – Justs
- FYR Macedonia – Kaliopi
- Montenegro – Highway
- Norway – Agnete
- Poland – Michał Szpak
- Romania – Ovidiu Anton
- Spain – Barei
- United Kingdom – Joe and Jake
Tel Aviv: Israel Calling 2016
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For the first time, Israel will host a preview event, under the theme Celebrating Eurovision Together! which is the biggest Eurovision event in the country since Jerusalem hosted Eurovision in 1999. Apart from taking part in the preview show, the artists will enjoy a 48 hours long visit to Israel and experience the local culture and specialities. The event is produced by Mrs. Tali Eshkoli who has an active role among the Eurovision production in Israel and abroad.
WHERE AND WHEN? Theatre Club, 12 April, 20:00 local time. Information about tickets is yet to be released.
Confirmed artists so far:
- Austria – Zoë
- Belarus – Ivan
- Estonia – Jüri Pootsmann
- France – Amir
- Israel – Hovi Star
- Latvia – Justs
- Moldova – Lidia Isac
- Norway – Agnete
- Poland – Michał Szpak
- Spain – Barei
- Slovenia – ManuElla
- Switzerland – Rykka
- United Kingdom – Joe and Jake
Moscow, Russia: Eurovision Pre-Party 2016
Russia will also host its annual Eurovision preview party with 13 artists confirmed.
WHERE AND WHEN? Izvestiya Hall, 3 April, 19:00 local time. Tickts can be purchased online.
Confirmed artists:
- Albania – Eneda Tarifa
- Armenia – Iveta Mukuchyan
- Azerbaijan – Samra
- Belarus – Ivan
- Cyprus – Minus One
- FYR Macedonia – Kaliopi
- Israel – Hovi Star
- Malta – Ira Losco
- Moldova – Lidia Isac
- Russia – Sergey Lazarev
- San Marino – Serhat
- Spain – Barei
- Switzerland – Rykka