A Dalston cinema has confirmed it will not screen Eurovision this weekend – but that popular flicks Love Lies Bleeding and Challengers will be shown instead.

In a now deleted social media post in March, Rio Cinema in Kingsland High Street announced that it had cancelled its plans to screen the Eurovision final this weekend.

The cinema said that while the Eurovision Party London had been a “beloved partner…for many years”, it would not host the event while Israel remains in the competition.

The venue added: “We will continue to organise fundraising events for the charities we support, including Doctors Without Borders and Medical Aid for Palestine.”

Confirming the cancellation of the event, Eurovision Party London said the decision was made with a “heavy heart”.

The post on X added: “We firmly believe that the Eurovision Song Contest has the power to bring people together across the world, and when its core values of inclusivity, equality and universality are upheld, it can be a genuine force for good.

“With its slogan in mind, we hope that we can all be united by music again soon.”

Israel is due to perform in the second semi-final this evening (May 9) after performer Eden Golan was reportedly booed during yesterday’s dress rehearsal.

A pro-Palestinian march took place this afternoon in the host city of Malmo amid calls for Israel to be excluded from the contest because of the war in Gaza.

The Gaza Health Ministry puts the Palestinian death toll at more than 34,000 people.

Organisers of Eurovision, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), hit out last month against the “unacceptable and totally unfair” abuse of competitors amid “the backdrop of a terrible war in the Middle East”.

According to The Telegraph, the cinema is under investigation by the Charity Commission over its decision to boycott Eurovision.

Rio Cinema has confirmed today that its position on showing the final has not changed, but said there were plenty of other screenings for people to enjoy.

Love Lies Bleeding, Challengers and the recently released La Chimera, featuring Josh O'Connor and Isabella Rossellini, can be watched this weekend at the cinema.

There will also be a staff-curated, late night horror special, featuring films directed by Georges Franju and Kevin Smith.