With the whole nation preparing itself for a music bonanza as the UK gears up to host the Eurovision grand final for the first time in 25 years, Darlington is getting in on the action.

Residents will be able to join in on the action with an all-day long schedule of family-friendly events on Saturday (May 12).

Despite losing their rogue bid to host the international song contest, Darlington Borough Council will host a free all-day long Eurovision party, with residents able to get in on an “eclectic line up of live entertainment” on the main stage in Market Square.

There will also be kids’ activities and plenty of food and drinks stalls.

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11.30 am – Events will be kicked off by Dan Westwood, who will run through the whole day’s line up and welcome Dandyism, a dance group with routines inspired by gentlemen of the Congo, to the stage.

12.00 noon – Teesside Irish Dance, a community dance group, will take to the stage.

12.40 pm – paying tribute to the country that was supposed to be hosting the Eurovision song contest this year, ORLYK Dance will perform Ukrainian folklore dance.

1.15 pm – oom-pah band The Bavarian Strollers will perform.

2.00 pm – Salsa Sam will give a salsa dance performance.

2.30 pm – Ukrainian electronic violinist Nadia Violin will entertain the crowds.

4 pm – The Destroyers will play a mix of fusion folk and Balkan party music.

5.30 pm – Masters of the Scene, an Abba tribute band, will pay homage to the most well-known Eurovision winner.

6.30 pm – DJ set.

7.00 pm – the Eurovision tribute band Ooh Ahh Just a Little Bit of Eurovision will perform some of the contest’s biggest hits.

8.00 pm – The Eurovision final will be shown live on the big screen. This is expected to run until midnight.