This year's event is being held in honour of Ukraine - here's why this year's contest is so special
As I make my way through the bustling centre of Liverpool, the sounds of Conchita Wurst’s Rise Like a Phoenix can be heard wailing out from in the distance. There really could be no truer way of indicating that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest is well and truly here.
Eurovision often gets a bit of a bad rep - especially here in the UK - and some of it is perhaps a little bit warranted considering the novelty acts we've not only witnessed but forced Europe to endure over the years. But there's no denying that there's a lot of good that comes out of the contest too - and that was signalled early on in the first show.
We were even treated to a medley from Rita Ora and a Eurovision rap from host Alesha, which is all boxes ticked in many people's eyes. The city has gone far and beyond to embrace the event and anyone who dared doubt how Liverpool might be able to pull off the huge feat of hosting the event will now be sitting silent and eating their words.
Outside of Liverpool, the final will also be shown here in Manchester on huge screens in Piccadilly Gardens.
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