Eurovision Café Sessions

From 9 May 2023

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As well as our evening programme of Eurovision events, we'll also be showcasing Eurovision through our afternoon Star Café sessions.  Join us for these FREE events in our Star Café, situated off our main foyer. Seats are allocated on a first come first served basis.

 

Anjeza Shahini in Conversation 

9 May 2023 - 2pm

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Anjeza Shahini, also known as Ani & The Cranes, is a singer songwriter originally from Albania. At 17 years old she represented Albania in it’s debut year at the Eurovision Song Contest in Istanbul 2004, with the song The Image Of You. Finishing in 7th place, Ani remains one of the most successful Albanian entries at Eurovision. Ani built a successful music career in Albania and the Western Balkans, but put her music career on hold when she moved to the UK with her British husband. Now living in Chester, Ani has started on a new music path, creating, producing and releasing music as Ani + The Cranes. Ani has since released State Of Mind, her first single in the UK, and is soon to release the next single shortly after this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

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The UK in Eurovision: The Highs and Lows - Book Event with Author Andy Bishop

12 May 2023 - 3pm

 

Andy Bishop caught the Eurovision bug in 1974 — the year ABBA won and has been an avid follower ever since. Andy is a graphic designer by day, but he had long held an ambition to write a book on Eurovision. With the 2023 tournament being held in the UK, it seemed like the perfect time to focus on the UK acts that have performed in the tournament since the late 1950s.

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Although Andy now lives in Norway, outside of his love for Eurovision and music in general, he is a devoted fan of Luton Town and regularly flies into the UK to catch matches. When he´s not listening to music or watching football, you will often find him in the forest walking his French Bulldog, Loke.

 

Books will be on sale at the event and there is opportunity to have the book signed. 

                 

 

Kimberley Rew in Conversation

13 May 2023 - 3pm

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A prodigious songwriter, Kimberley Rew wrote Walking On Sunshine, the huge worldwide hit for Katrina And The Waves. He’s also responsible for their Eurovision winning song Love Shine A Light.

 

Other artists who have had success with Rew-penned creations are The Bangles, who covered Going Down To Liverpool and Celine Dion with That’s Just the Woman in Me.

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Kim, who is also revered among guitarists for his driving and energetic playing style, is still writing and performing, with his wife Lee Cave-Berry as Kim & Lee.

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