The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford has announced a vibrant programme of summer events, coinciding with the opening of its new exhibition, Setting the Stage: 70 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest. Opening on Friday 15 May, the exhibition and its accompanying events will celebrate the competition’s rich history and technological innovation, marking its 70th anniversary.
The highly anticipated exhibition, Setting the Stage: 70 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest, is set to open its doors on Friday 15 May. This special exhibition delves into the technological history and innovation that has been at the heart of the world’s largest live music event for seven decades.
Alongside the exhibition, the museum will host a dynamic programme of events designed to bring to life broader themes of performance, music, stagecraft, and careers in broadcasting.
Eurovision Song Contest Big Family Party & Watch Party
Kicking off the festivities is the Eurovision Song Contest Big Family Party on Saturday 16 May. This free, museum-wide celebration invites visitors to come dressed in their most sparkly outfits to enjoy DJs, crafts, face painting, hands-on activities, and a silent disco. Drag artist Dame Shirley Bazzey will host family-friendly Eurovision-themed fun and games throughout the day.
Later that evening, Pictureville Cinema will host a special watch party for the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest. The event includes a quiz, games, and prizes before the live broadcast, offering a unique opportunity to experience the final on the big screen with fellow fans. Tickets for the pre-party are available for £15 via Pictureville’s website.
Curator-led Tours & Live Discussions
Fans eager for a deeper dive into the exhibition can join free, curator-led tours on Saturday 16 May, 20 June, and 18 July. These sessions will provide insights into the technical innovations that have defined the competition and the individuals behind them, exploring the Contest’s seven-decade legacy.
The museum will also host a series of live discussion events in Pictureville Cinema, exploring the Eurovision Song Contest’s wider cultural impact and associated themes across live events, music, and performance. Further details, including speakers, dates, and ticket information, will be announced soon.
Family-Friendly Pop-up Parties & Wondertots
The summer programme continues for families with Setting the Stage: Pop-up Parties, launching on Saturday 23 May and running daily across May half-term. This free programme brings the exhibition to life with a new family game show, regular silent discos, live music, and hands-on activities. Special editions on Saturday 20 June and 18 July will feature a focus on global music, including Windrush and South Asian themed programming.
Additionally, the popular Wondertots sessions will return with a “Setting the Stage” twist, introducing regular “baby-rave” style sessions for under 5s and their grown-ups, launching Monday 1 June. These sessions aim to provide a space for early years families to explore sound, rhythm, and light. Tickets for Wondertots are £2 per child, with accompanying parents attending for free.
