The biggest Eurovision party in the country will not take place this year after being gazumped by an opera.

The Duke of York's Picturehouse in Preston Circus, Brighton, is famed for filling the auditorium and receiving a shout out from host Graham Norton every year when it televises the competition on its big screen.

But this year, the party has been cancelled because the cinema has already been booked to show a five-hour Wagner opera.

Jon Barrenechea, manager of the Duke of York's, said staff were heartbroken at not being able to host the Eurovision celebration this year but he hopes to bring the party back to Brighton in 2012.

He said: “It was a scheduling problem. We agreed to the opera dates a year in advance.

“The Eurovision date was only announced a few months ago. We are heartbroken about it but hopefully next year we can get back on to it.

“People heard that we are not doing it so they are putting on alternatives and pubs will also be holding Eurovision parties.

“We have sold a lot of tickets for the opera. It's a different crowd but we try to be all things to all people.”

The competition, which is in its 56th year, will be broadcast live on Saturday night from the Dusseldorf Arena, Germany, and will see 25 countries competing for the crown.

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