Gates open as excited fans flood Eurovision Fan Zone in Liverpool
Thousands of fans are at the Pier Head this afternoon at the iconic Eurovision Village - the vibe is popping at the prosecco is flowing!
Last updated 13th May 2023
Just like the competition, the weather is also hotting-up in Liverpool where the gates to the Eurovision Village have now been thrown open over at the historic Pier Head before tens of millions of people glue themselves to their screens for the final tonight.
The dramatic opening saw dozens of fans dressed up as Ukrainian acts Verka Serduchka and Kalush Orchestra, as well as others donning the Union Jack, cheering as the barriers opened for the final time for the 2023 contest.
It didn't need much encouragement from the crowd, with one steward shouting, "Are you ready for the Eurovision final?" before being met with roaring cheers from fans who have travelled to Liverpool from all across the world.
The Eurovision Village has become a hive of activity after the gates were thrown open to eager fans, with some dashing straight to the front of the stage, whilst others took a more leisurely walk inside to take in the atmosphere.
For the lucky ticket-holders, they're in for a treat at the Village.
Here's who's performing before the screening of the Grand Final, with Strictly's Motsi Mabuse taking to the stage for hosting duties... and yep, there's even Jedward:
- Claire Richards (Steps)
- Vengaboys
- Katrina of Katrina and the Waves
- Jedward’s Epic Eurovision Singalong
- Brooke
- Dross
- Danielle Moore
Two fans getting ready for the Eurovision Village
It really is a party in Liverpool - with fans, flags and a shedload of prosecco flowing just a matter of hours before the Grand Final gets underway at the M&S Bank Arena.
Jesse's a fan there - who told us: "It's amazing to finally have the Eurovision Song Contest back in the UK. I'm old enough, but not old enough to have been there when we last hosted it here, so to finally be here is brilliant.
"The sun is shining too - God is a woman!"
Another fan, Chloe from Liverpool, said: "It's amazing for the city - with everyone coming together. We've done the city proud, but we've also done Ukraine proud. It's just a joy to be here and absorb it all... as well as, of course, having a dance all day!"
The Eurovision Village and St George's Hall aren't the only places where the joy of music is being celebrated today in Liverpool - something can be heard around every corner.
This year, Liverpool holds arguably a greater responsibility than any other city with hosting duties for the 2023 contest, with the UK taking on the reigns after last year's winners Ukraine simply couldn't.
Ahead of the Grand Final, it was revealed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was barred from addressing the event, with fears from the European Broadcasting Union that doing so could politicise it.
Speaking to us, Culture Secretary Lucy Fraser, said: "The atmosphere is absolutely amazing. I know that the acts have also been fantastic, and I think everybody here is really looking forward to tonight's show. It's unbelievable!
"The Eurovision Song Contest is a massive collaboration - we wanted to support Ukraine, and there has been a huge collaboration with Ukrainian artists and performers, but what the city has done is bring people from all around together.
"We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, and we have done since the war began, and we're absolutely proud to host this on behalf of them.
"What this event shows is that there's more that unites us than divides us. However, I think it's really disappointing that the EBU have not allowed the Ukrainian president to speak, but there's going to be loads of opportunities for Ukraine to get its message across during the show tonight to mention the tragedy happening over there."
The Eurovision Grand Final will air live from 8pm tonight.