The big day is here! Fans flock to Liverpool for the Eurovision Grand Final

We've seen ballads, we've had hard rock, we've all asked the question - 'who the hell is Edgar?', and today... we're doing it all again!

Tonight's the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool - and the excitement can be felt in every corner of the city as the live show creeps ever closer.

It's being held in the UK host city on behalf of Ukraine - who weren't able to host because of the war.

From the staging, to the performers, presenters, and even backstage production teams, the host city has made it clear this is Ukraine's party... held at our house.

Even Liverpool City Council have got involved with the action - changing their name to 'Lviv-erpool City Council' - saying on Twitter "Welcome to #Lviverpool - host city of #Eurovision2023 - for and on behalf of #Ukraine 🎉".

We chatted with Olympian, European Gold Medallist and legendary Liverpudlian Sam Quek, who said: "Dead exciting, isn't it?!

"We're taking it all in - and it's be honest, Liverpool has been fantastic and so welcoming... we'll have a few beverages, and see where it goes!"

After months of planning, preparation and aching over the costume and set design, it all comes down to today, and that's thanks to one man - Sam Ryder, took the UK to second place at last years contest in Turin.

Earlier this week, presenters Leanne and Scott got to chat with ahead of the competition.

If there's one tip Sam has for the acts, it's... maybe don't grab a cheeky takeaway beforehand.

Sam said: "I'm an eater - I usually gorge, like a pig - but you can't hit those notes, and you can't move either! I did a show on tour recently but I had a stitch, because I'd eaten too much before going on stage... and that was in the second song in an hour and a half set!

"So, you've got to be really careful!"

Well, the acts might not want to grab a food backstage - but the fans across Liverpool have been lapping it up this afternoon.

Drinks have been flowing, the sun has been basking over the North West, and people have truly been getting into the Eurovision spirit.

So much has been happening across the city already, with a 500-strong choir outside St George's hall, people are donned in blue and yellow - and there's been a huge reaction for the Eurovision Village, which opened its doors to hundreds of excited fans.

Vicky chatted with us - and has been partying across the city all week. Dressed in blue and yellow - and donned in the Union Jack, she said: "It's been absolutely amazing - and it doesn't matter about the headache... a few days time and it'll all be fine!"

Another, Carol from Newcastle, said: "We're so excited because we had tickets for Amsterdam but we missed it because of Covid! It's fantastic - the sun is shining, and the atmosphere's amazing!"

Paul and Li, also at the Eurovision Village, said: "We love Liverpool anyway but this weekend is on another level - it's just amazing and loads have people have worked so hard to put this together... It's absolutely brilliant.

"Liverpool, you've done us proud!"

As the final preparations get underway, as the dress rehearsal for the big night draws to a close, and artists get into the zone - the fans in Liverpool are partying the afternoon away in style.

The Grand Final starts at 8PM UK time.

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