THOUSANDS of people have descended on Liverpool as Eurovision fever has swept the city. 

Among the 11,000 people at the final at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday are scores of people from the south. 

They will be helping the UK to celebrate hosting the song contest for the first time since 1991.

Jonathan Molyneux, 48, from Hampshire, was at the final with friends. 

He said: "The atmosphere e is amazing. It is everything we dreamed it would be. I have been a Eurovision fan ever since Loreen won for Sweden in 2012. 

"I have been to the Eurovision: You Decide event when it came to Brighton, but when I heard it was coming to the UK, I was ecstatic. I feel so lucky to be here." 

Hampshire Chronicle: Jonathan Molyneux, Sue Oldfield, Sarah Conway, Laura Maxfield, Scott Rowe at Eurovision Final in

Last year's winner Ukraine was unable to host the competition due to the ongoing war.

However hundreds of Ukrainians had tickets for the final, and they were overjoyed to see the sea of blue and yellow in support. 

Ukrainian Lana Bilko, who moved to London last year, said: "It is very touching. I am very grateful for the English for making it happen and doing it for Ukraine. 

"It is very nice, England has helped my country so much." 

Hampshire Chronicle: Ros De Oliveira, Penny Finegan, Sandra Rush, Lana Bilko at Eurovision Final in Liverpool

Husband and wife Kevin and Jo Funnell, from Bournemouth, had travelled to the final with their friend Chris Thomas-Stewart. 

They frantically tried on four devices when tickets went on sale, and Jo said they feel lucky that one got through. 

Jo said: "It's amazing. We have a friend who moved to the Wirral so we have taken full advantage to be here. It's wonderful." 

Hampshire Chronicle: Chris Thomas-Stewart, Kevin and Jo Funnell at Eurovision Final in Liverpool

Brothers Dan and Tom Brindle, 18 and 20, from Lechlade in Oxfordshire, were impressed with Liverpool - and said they loved the way Eurovision unites countries. 

Dan said: "For one night, the whole of Europe gets together and gives their all to show how good they are - and come together in unity." 

Also making the most of the party was Oli Hayden, 27, who was with Oli Humphries, 26, from Brighton. 

READ MORE: Eurovision 2023: What to know about the Liverpool grand final

He said: "I am a massive fan, and I loved it when Loreen won so I am delighted that she's back this year. It is so much fun and the atmosphere is incredible."

This year marks the 67th edition of the competition as 37 countries compete for the trophy.

Performing in the grand final will be all the acts who successfully made it through their respective semi-finals along with the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy who make up the Big Five.

Joining them will be last year’s winner Ukraine who also automatically qualify.

It will be broadcast live on Saturday, May 13 at 8pm on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

Hampshire Chronicle: Oli Hayden, Oli Humphries, Robin Pepper, Dan and Tom Brindle, at Eurovision Final in Liverpool