BRITAIN put on a glorious glittering party last night for the Eurovision Song Contest final.
Fans arrived in Liverpool with Union Jacks draped around their shoulders, despite kill-joy unions causing chaos on the railways with train strikes yesterday.
Britain put on a glorious glittering party last night for the Eurovision Song Contest final in Liverpool
Armenia Entry Brunette performed song Future Lover
UK entry Mae Muller closed the show with her track I Wrote a Song
The much-loved international music event was held here after Ukraine triumphed last year but was unable to host the competition due to Russia’s invasion.
London-born Mae Muller, 25, represented the UK with her hit I Wrote A Song, while Ukraine’s electronic music duo Tvorchi also took to the stage.
Virgin Radio’s Graham Norton, Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, actress Hannah Waddingham and singer Alesha Dixon hosted the star-studded extravaganza.
It also featured a surprise piano appearance by the Princess of Wales in the opening film.
There were performances from last year’s first and second place acts — Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra and the UK’s Sam Ryder — as well as a celebration of the host city’s incredible contribution to the world of pop music, featuring six past Eurovision winners — including Liverpool’s own Sonia.
Graham also shared commentary duties with Mel Giedroyc, while comedian Catherine Tate delivered the UK’s points.
Poland’s entry Blanka paid tribute to Bucks Fizz during her performance of Solo
The Princess of Wales played the piano as part of Eurovision’s glittering opening film sequence
Presenter Hannah said the UK was “so very proud” to be “taking the reins” and hosting on behalf of Ukraine, while Julia thanked the British public.
Graham added: “United we are — well, out here. But backstage, the competition is fierce.”
Austrian entry Teya and Salena were the first contestants to perform for the final, singing their entry Who The Hell Is Edgar?.
Host Alesha referenced the new King and Queen in a rap of her own.
She said: “Six acts in and the competition is in full swing, what a week it’s been. All killers, no filler, big up King Charles and Queen Camilla.”
The royal couple visited the contest site recently and were said by bosses to be “pretty knowledgeable about Eurovision and enjoyed looking behind the scenes”.
Eurovision director Martin Green yesterday revealed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky had not been consulted about the show to ensure the event remained a “politics-free zone”.
Mr Green said: “Sometimes culture, media and dance can do a better job describing how we feel and how we want to feel than words and politicians.”
While train strikes caused chaos yesterday, one Ukrainian family headed 200 miles north to celebrate the contest.
Olena Ablaieva and her daughter Vasylysa, 14, have been living with a host family in Sidcup, South East London, since Russia’s invasion.
Olena said: “We had no doubts about our trip to Liverpool.
“It’s nice to see Ukrainian flags and Ukrainian symbols everywhere.
“I feel at home. We appreciate your support and our friendship.
“We also wanted to do something nice for people from England.
“I have brought sweets which I want to share with everyone who wants to know a bit more about Ukraine.”
Moldova’s entry Pasha Parfeni performs song Soarele şi Luna
Kate wore an outfit to honour Ukraine and earrings given to her by the late Queen
