When Ukraine won Eurovision in 2016, Worcester News’ Clare Butler was in the arena to witness the emotional roller-coaster ride of Europe’s longest-running song competition.
The UK has officially been confirmed as the host for Eurovision 2023 after winning country Ukraine will no longer be able to host. This is what you can expect if you are lucky enough to get tickets.
Eurovision attracts thousands of cheesy music-loving fans to arenas each year – and I was lucky enough to be one of them in Sweden six years ago, writes Clare.
It was while I was going through check-in at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport I then bumped into Ukraine’s winner Jamala.
We said hello before I ran for my last boarding call – and I think that summed up my Eurovision experience – somewhat surreal but completely spectacular.
READ MORE: UK officially announced as hosts for Eurovision 2023 following Ukraine conflict
The ticket process starts the year before, and they cost anywhere from £150 onwards. Plus, you have to be part of the official UK Eurovision fan club called OGAE. It’s all very fancy!
I arrived in Stockholm on the Wednesday afternoon. Westlife’s Nicky Byrne was due to represent Ireland in the second semi-final the following day and his wife and family landed the same time.
Mayhem broke out as Eurovision officials flocked around them along with airport security, as they were whisked away in a private car.
I guess that was my first insight into how crazy the next few days were going to be!
Stockholm itself was transformed into a party spectacle. Dozens of clubs’ blast nothing but Eurovision hits, there is a tour bus and even a ‘Eurovision Village’ which serve food, drink, gifts, face painting – anything and everything goes.
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My tickets saw me stood right in the thick of it at the Ericsson Globe and virtually a few metres away from the stage. You instantly start swaying with revellers and getting wrapped up in their country’s flags.
Justin Timberlake was a huge scoop for Eurovision that year and he performed a melody of his hits at the end of the night – and I was virtually front row for it.
The show was nothing short of incredible. The staging, presenting and support acts were fantastic. When you’re caught up in the atmosphere, you forget to realise that it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
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