Eurovision Grand Final: The party has started at the Eurovision Village

People are saying Liverpool’s showcasing of Ukrainian culture is ‘fantastic’ and shows that ‘we are united’.

The Eurovision Village thrown open its gates this afternoon as tonight’s grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest fast approaches.

Ticket-holders gathered for hours in the beating sun ahead of the Eurovision Village on the historic Pier Head, and what a day it has been so far!

We’ve already seen amazing performances from Katrina formerly Katrina and the Waves, and even the iconic duo Jedward have been on stage entertaining the masses with their “JEPIC” Karaoke.

There were cheers from fans dressed as Ukrainian acts Verka Serduchka and Kalush Orchestra and families in Union flag outfits as the 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 the Vengaboys, ahead of the screening of the grand final from 8pm on the big screens.

Sean, 28, from Liverpool, came wearing a T-shirt featuring Finnish entry Kaarija, the eccentric rapper whose hyperpop hit Cha Cha Cha is among the favourites to win.

He said: “As you can see, I think you know who we are supporting today. Obviously the favourite is Finland. I do think he has got a chance.”

Speaking about UK entry Mae Muller, who is performing last, Sean added: “I enjoy the entry. I think there have been some issues with the vocals.

“But I think it is a good closer. It will be a nice way to round off the show.”

Mark, 29, also from Liverpool, wore a luminescent green outfit reminiscent of Kaarija’s own bolero-style jacket.

He added of Muller’s song: “It is very typically pop, it is not typical Eurovision style which I quite like. I think it will do quite well.”

Speaking about Liverpool’s showcasing of Ukrainian culture, Mark added: “I think it is amazing. If you go around you can see Ukraine everywhere, whether it is the signs or flags, it is just Ukrainian.

“It is even the case that they have brought a Ukrainian host in to help with Liverpool. I hope we have done Ukraine proud.”

Twenty-six acts will perform at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool to an expected global audience of 160 million viewers, according to the BBC, after the UK agreed to host the contest on behalf of war-torn Ukraine.