Eurovision Song Contest

OK, just to clarify, this year’s Eurovision Song Contest isn’t being held in Chester, but as many will already know, it is being held in neighbouring Liverpool. And judging by a lot of the feedback, it is very popular and so far a big success. Programmes like the Jeremy Vine show on Radion 2 and several TV broadcasts are really going to town as to how good proceedings have so far been. This post is to not only recognise that the event is “only down the road” so to speak but also to remind everyone as to why the occasion is actually being staged in Liverpool. And, on that note, this article does include a local Chester angle as well.

Read on to find out more.

Eurovision Song Contest

To confirm, the final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest is being contested tomorrow, 13th May, at the M&S Bank Arena on Liverpool’s waterfront. Some may remember the M&S as the Echo Arena. A worthy setting for a worthy event.

For those that follow the Eurovision Song Contest (hello, Jools!!), the competition is normally held in the country of the previous year’s winners. But as Ukraine won it last year, this year’s could not feasibly be held in Ukraine while the conflict is still raging on. So, in these situations, the event is then to be staged at the home of the runners-up. And, as a result of Sam Ryder’s great efforts last year, this happens to be the UK. As you have now no doubt guessed, more specifically, this means Liverpool.

So there we have it. A significant, international event, right on our doorstep. And judging by some of the build up programmes on both TV and radio, the occasion is going to be enjoyed by thousands upon thousands from all over the globe.

Say hello to Liverpool one and all. And Liverpool, take a bow.

But as I said in the opening bits above, we should also not lose sight of why we are hosting it in the UK.

Eurovision Song Contest Local Twist

Without getting into the politics of it all, the war in Ukraine has created this situation. I’m sure humanitarians everywhere would have much preferred that the contest was to have been held in its rightful location. But, this wasn’t to be.

In holding the contest in Liverpool though, opportunities have presented themselves for people from all over the world to embrace not only the competition, but Liverpool as well. And, as we are so close, nearby surrounding areas also.

And for Ukrainians in particular, some much needed relief from the horrors of war. Take a look for instance at this group of Ukrainian and Polish aid workers who spend their lives helping those affected by the Russian invasion. They have arrived in Liverpool for a week of Eurovision joy and happiness.

Last year, after it was announced that Liverpool would host the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, Tim Johnson, who lives in Liverpool city centre, embarked on a hugely ambitious plan to bring a group of aid workers to the city to enjoy the festivities.

Ambitious Plan

Tim, an IT Consultant originally from Chester, and his Polish fiancé began carrying out aid work during a visit to Poland last year as hundreds of thousands of refugees arrived in Poland, one of the countries neighbouring Ukraine. He met teams of volunteers from Poland and others from Ukraine who, despite their own problems, were determined to help others impacted by the Russian invasion.

And in a huge show of friendship and camaraderie, the group have been welcomed with open arms. They have also been inundated with offers from companies and the public alike. There have been offers of trips, accommodation and activities for the group to enjoy while they are in the UK.

These offers include donated tours of Anfield Stadium, the Royal Liver Building, Mersey Ferries and a city sightseeing bus tour. The offers have also come in from further afield. They have also been offered the chance to London for a speedboat ride on the Thames and a ride on the London Eye.

There is much more to read about this group and the welcome they have received in this Liverpool article HERE.

Eurovision Song Contest A Time To Be Remembered

Hopefully, this group, and all other visitors have a most enjoyable time while visiting Liverpool for the contest. The Eurovision Song Contest is of course a multi-national, multi-cultural big occasion enjoyed by many. But this year’s in particular is extra special because of the circumstances surrounding it.

As far as winning is concerned, I wouldn’t have a clue. And in a jokey manner, I don’t think the judges know either!! Greece always giving maximum points for Cyprus and vice versa. What’s that all about? He asked with tongue firmly in cheek. But politics aside, this year’s, as already mentioned is a special night for Ukraine. And as they couldn’t host it themselves, then it is being held in a special city.

Enjoy the Eurovision Song Contest one and all if you are watching it.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

Thanks for reading my latest blog post – Eurovision Song Contest. To see all of my other blog posts on a variety of topics, then visit HERE.

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As This Is A Chester Related Website

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