Eurovision 2023: UK and Liverpool embraced Europe for spectacular show

In the city centre, it was party time. Streams of people dressed in all kinds of clothes, from flamboyant drag queens to men in full Union jack suits, flooded the streets. Street performers attracted huge huddles, all cheering and joining in. 

Smiling volunteers in yellow directed crowds and gave help when needed. 

As I got closer to the stadium, the excitement was palpable. Different flags brushed past, and conversations in different languages caught on the air. Bars and restaurants were packed with revellers. Even those who couldn’t get into the stadium had a place to go.  

Everything in Liverpool this past week has been about Eurovision. And it’s not just a one-hit show. The competition started on Sunday with its green carpet event to welcome the acts, then has taken over the M&S Bank Arena every day since.  

READ MORE: Mae Muller thanks everyone amid low Eurovision score for UK

Each show has several dress rehearsals, one without the public and two with, with two semifinals (one on Tuesday and one on Thursday), so there’s been plenty of opportunity to share in a taste of the action at the 11,000-capacity stadium.  

The week had been building up to Saturday’s final, which saw fans flood Liverpool for a night of whacky but tense competition as 16 acts performed.  

Fans from everywhere chanted some of the more catchier entrants such as Austria's Po Po Po or Finland's Cha Cha Cha Cha as they huddled at the entrance.  

Many had seen their travel plans disrupted, with train strikes, but it was clear to see that if you had a Eurovision ticket – nothing would stop you from coming. Rohan from London said he had taken several coaches, others had come up early and were sleeping at friend’s houses. Liverpool’s taxi service was doing a roaring trade. Every hotel was fully booked and all tickets to all shows were sold out.  

During the rehearsal, I spoke to a couple from Sheffield and a pair of friends who had travelled from Germany despite their country’s dire forecast for its rock song (it finished last) these ardent fans had embraced the spirit and act and were even wearing matching collars.  

At the final, where tickets were rarer than Charlie’s Golden Ticket, I was surrounded by a large group of women celebrating a hen night. Also a father and daughter from Spain who had come in support of their country’s act, who was also from their hometown. But most surprisingly I spoke to a guy from Russia, a fashion designer who loves Eurovision. He tells me that being a huge fan he simply couldn’t miss it, despite the difficulties of the war.  

Their glittery pilgrimages showed that this competition is more than just a song contest. It was a showcase of everything good about Europe – from the utterly bonkers to the heartfelt emotions.  

Sweden took the top spot this year, with Eurovision returner – and some might say royalty – Loreen taking the title with Tattoo. She had Eurovision success in 2012 with Euphoria – and made history this weekend by becoming the first female solo artist to win twice. She also brought Sweden's winning tally up to seven, making them and Ireland the two countries who have won the most.  

She was given a close running by Finland's "Cha Cha Cha" by Käärijä  – an absolute fan favourite. With crowds in the arena breaking out into cha cha chas during the scores in support – and dozens of bright green arm warmers dotted in the crowd. 

Of course, the show brought the usual bright and wonderful slice of light and hope to our lives, but it also had a darker undercurrent that can’t be ignored.  

Last year’s winner Ukraine was unable to host the contest due to the ongoing war, so the UK offered to host instead, a show of solidarity. The night incorporated parts of Ukraine, showcasing places before each act and through presenter Julia Sanina, a rock star in Ukraine.  

The Ukraine's act Tvorchi performed a song called Heart of Steel in a show of defiance, however the Ukrainian contest was rocked as the news broke that their country was being heavily bombed as the show started - dashing many people’s hopes that the worst was over. Throughout the week, the Ukrainians had been positive and excited, however on Saturday you could hear the emotions catch in their voices. 

READ MORE: BBC says Eurovision 2023 is the most watched final in show history

Afterwards, one asked a question to winner Loreen about if she hoped Ukraine could host the competition in the near future – effectively asking her if she wanted the war to be over. To which she replied, “of course” - a sentiment shared by all at the show.  

One of the volunteers helping direct people in the city told me that he thought that Liverpool was the best place to host the contest this year as it was so welcoming.

He said it had embraced the contest and everything that came with it. And that message of love was what came through most on the night. The UK act may have finished back in its usual spot – nearly last – but at least we put on a good show and held out our arms to embrace our friends.