Excited ticket holders flocked to Liverpool’s fan village ahead of tonight’s big Eurovision final.
Thousands from near and far gathered for hours in the blazing sun today at the city’s historic Pier Head venue.
There were cheers from fans draped in Union Jack flags as many hope British contestant Mae Muller can beat Swedish favorite Loreen.
Some ran straight to the stage to secure a prime seat for the 8pm screening of the grand finale.
Sean, 28, from Liverpool, wore a T-shirt featuring Finnish contributor Kaarija, the eccentric rapper whose hyperpop hit Cha Cha Cha is a favorite to win.
Liverpool are hosting the competition on behalf of Ukraine – and fans are showing their support for both countries
Liverpool’s fan village opened its doors ahead of tonight’s Eurovision final
Thousands from near and far gathered for hours in the blazing sun today at the city’s historic Pier Head venue
He said: “As you can see, I think you know who we’re supporting today.” The favorite is obviously Finland. I think he has a chance.’
Of British contestant Mae Muller performing last, Sean added, “I like the entry.” I think there were some issues with the vocals.
“But I think it’s a good ending.” It’s going to be a nice ending to the show.”
Mark, 29, also from Liverpool, wore a bright green outfit reminiscent of Kaarija’s own bolero-style jacket.
Of Muller’s song, he added, “It’s very typically pop, it’s not typically Eurovision style, which I like a lot.” I think it’ll work out quite well.’
On Liverpool’s portrayal of Ukrainian culture, Mark added: “I think it’s great.” If you walk around you can see Ukraine everywhere, whether it’s on the signs or on the flags, it’s just Ukrainian.
“In fact, they hired a Ukrainian host to support Liverpool.” “I hope we’ve made Ukraine proud.”
Nicki, 30, from Darlington, came into the fan zone dressed as a Serduchka with the Ukrainian flag on her cheeks and told PA she usually watched the grand final as part of a spectator party but “has been wanting to do so for years”. .
She said she supports Sweden’s Loreen, another favorite to win, but also supports Muller.
Britons supporting British act Mae Muller are clad in Union Jacks as they prepare for the celebration
Excited fans gathered for the countdown to today’s grand finale
Mae Muller opened up about how she hopes to make Britain proud as she prepares for the Eurovision final
Union Jack flags filled the crowd today and many Britons were out in search of singer Mae Muller
There were cheers from fans dressed up as Ukrainian performers like Verka Serduchka and Kalush Orchestra, as well as families in Union flag outfits
Some ran straight to the front of the stage to secure prime seats for the performances
26 acts will perform at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena to an expected worldwide audience of 160 million
Liverpool are in full color today as fans celebrate ahead of tonight’s Eurovision final
However, Nicki added, “I think it’s hard to keep up with last year’s act.” Last year was kind of our peak. It’s just a shame that we missed out on victory, but of course everyone wanted Ukraine to do well. So hopefully she will be on the left side of the board.”
She said Liverpool’s presentation of Ukrainian culture in the city was “fantastic” and showed “we are united”.
At the grand finale on Saturday night, Müller will finally take the stage after it was announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was banned from speaking at the event.
After months of preparation, the 25-year-old north London singer is finally set to perform her track “I Wrote A Song” to an international audience.
She is hoping to continue the success of last year’s British entrant Sam Ryder, who finished second behind the Kalush Orchestra.
According to the BBC, 26 acts will perform at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena to an expected global audience of 160 million after Britain agreed to host the competition on behalf of war-torn Ukraine.
This comes after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the event, said it turned down Mr Zelenskyy’s request to speak on Saturday, fearing it might politicize the competition.
He wanted to make an unannounced video appearance and beg the millions of viewers worldwide to continue to support his country in the fight against the Russian invaders.
The UK is hosting on behalf of Ukraine, whose entry won last year’s singing competition but was unable to host this year’s competition due to the war
Fans gather behind barriers as they queue to enter the M&S Bank Arena
Pictured: Olena Ablaieva (pictured right) with her daughter Vasylysa (left). The couple are originally from Ukraine but are now living with a host family in Sidcup after the outbreak of war last year. Today they travel from London to Liverpool to watch the competition
Liverpool ahead: The grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live on BBC One tonight from 8pm
The EBU said Mr Zelenskyi had “laudable intentions” but his request “regrettably” broke the rules.
The move sparked criticism from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his predecessor Boris Johnson, among others.
The EBU declined to comment further.
The grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live on BBC One on Saturday from 8pm.
READ MORE: Rylan and Scott Mills are rescued by the Merseyside Water Rescue after being unable to return to their hotel due to the Eurovision pandemonium
Rylan and Scott Mills had to be rescued by emergency services in Liverpool on Friday during the Eurovision pandemonium.
The duo, who commentated on the two semi-finals, found themselves among a crowd of fans after dinner near the M&S Arena ahead of Saturday’s live final.
Rylan, 34, used his Instagram to share updates with his followers and revealed that Merseyside Water Rescue helped him and Scott, 50, onto a boat, only the vessel couldn’t get out of the dock.
The former X Factor star then had to jump into the back seat of the ambulance as it was slowly escorted back to his hotel through the crowds of music fans.
Wearing a safety vest, Rylan could be seen giving directions to the driver, while Scott lamented, “This is ridiculous.”
Help! Rylan and Scott Mills had to be rescued by emergency services in Liverpool on Friday during the Eurovision pandemonium