EUROVISION JOY.

I (Charly) went up to Liverpool last weekend to experience the city in full Eurovision mode. Sadly I didn’t get tickets to the actual show (not for want of trying, I’m still not over it) but I did get to watch the final with an amazing view across the Liver Building and the river Mersey.

Floating Earth by artist Luke Jerram has been at the Albert Dock throughout Eurovision, and it’s breathtaking – even in daylight (visit at night for the full event). With more than 100,000 people from all over Europe estimated to have visited the docks during Eurovision, this floating, glowing model of our planet was a fitting installation to a Eurovision themed ‘United By Music’.

I lived in Liverpool through some pretty major party events but I’ve never seen the streets so full of sequins, fancy dress (including people dressed as Po), and people draped in flags from all over Europe. Even the Co-op on Leece Street had a DJ (they were also giving out bags with scorecards and chocolate in, which we put to good use).

Excellent work, Liverpool – even the weather was happy. I’m just sad we missed out on winning Grand Final tickets on the Spot Sonia trail…