Eurovision: Excitement mounting as the Grand Final approaches

Millions of fans from around the world are expected to tune in as Liverpool hosts the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Thousands of Eurovision fans have descended on Liverpool as the city gears up to host the grand final of the 2023 song contest on Saturday.

The UK, which came second last year, is hosting this year’s contest on behalf of 2022’s winner Ukraine, who could not stage the show due to the Russian invasion.

Singers and groups from 26 countries will take to the stage at the M&S Bank Arena to compete for the Eurovision Trophy, with the live show starting at 8pm.

As well as packing out the arena, fans are filling the Eurovision Village in Liverpool to cheer on their favourites.

The countries taking part tonight are UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Croatia, Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, Czechia, Norway, Israel, Portugal, Serbia, Ukraine, Albania, Cyprus, Estonia, Belgium, Austria, Lithuania, Poland, Australia, Armenia and Slovenia.

Rylan Clark is part of a presenting panel which includes Graham Norton, Hannah Waddingham, Julia Sanina and Alesha Dixon.

There were cheers from fans waiting to enter Eurovision Village, some dressed as Ukrainian acts Verka Serduchka and Kalush Orchestra or wearing Union flag outfits, as stewards removed the barriers.

Some ran straight to the front of the stage to claim a prime spot for the performances from acts including Claire Richards from Steps and Katrina Leskanich of Katrina And The Waves, ahead of the screening of the grand final from 8pm on the big screens.

If you’re looking for a viewing party tonight check out our calendar here.