Ah Eurovision. The marmite of musical talent competitions, some may say - you are either pretty obsessed with it or you cannot stand the show that has been going for over 60 years. Either way, it's a decades old music competition that has the world talking each May - be that about the outrageous outfits, dance routines or wacky - or wonderful - songs performed.
The competition has been going since 1956 and was originally designed to unite European countries through cross-border television broadcasts following the second world war and began as "as a technical experiment in television: the live, simultaneous, transnational broadcast," as stated on the official Eurovision Song Contest's website.
Only seven countries took part in the first ever competition - the UK not being one of them as they were occupied with their own contest at the time - the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Italy with it first host being Switzerland.
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Fast forward 67 years and 52 countries are now participating in the competition - 37 of which will be heading to Liverpool this year - which has catapulated stars like Celine Dion, Abba and last year the UK's own Sam Ryder - despite him coming second.
And while they didn't win, this year the UK is hosting the competition in Liverpool in May and although that is months away, the competition kicks off on Tuesday, January 31 with the Eurovision Handover Ceremony and the Allocation Draw.
But when is the contest actually happening? How can you get tickets to see the show? And who is likely to be representing the UK? Here's everyhing we know.
When is it happening?
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in May and will take place across three days in a week. It'll begin with the semi-finals on Tuesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 11 with the final happening on Saturday, May 13.
Determining who will be participating in the semi-finals and on what day will be revealed on Tuesday, January 31 during the Handover Ceremony and Allocation Draw which viewers can watch on BBC2 at 7pm.
Where is it being hosted this year?
While Ukraine took home the iconic solid glass microphone trophy as winners of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, the UK are hosting the contest this year on behalf of Ukraine and will take place in Liverpool at the Liverpool Arena next to the River Mersey.
It was concluded that Ukraine would not host "for safety and security reasons, this was not possible" (as reported by the official site).
But why Liverpool? After much deliberation - that caused a buzz throughout the nation - the home of The Beatles was chosen as the ideal place to host Eurovision 2023. It was elected on the basis of venue, ability to accomodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists, infrastructure and cultural offering.
The new slogan
To reflect the unity and partnership between the UK, Ukraine and the host city Liverpool, the contest's new slogan is 'United By Music'. According to the website, it was chosen to bring "audiences across the globe and the incredible power of music to bring communities together. It also reflects the very origins of the Contest, developed to bring Europe closer together through a shared television experience across different countries".
How to get tickets
You may be surprised to hear this, but tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest aren't limited to the big final bonanza on the Saturday night. There are actually nine shows in total for which you can get tickets.
The Live TV Show, the Jury Show - which is a full run through of the show due to take place the night before the televised version and the Family show - a full run through of the show again which acts as a final rehearsal for the artists and crew.
Unfortunately, as stated on the official site, those wanting tickets will have to play the waiting game as the organisers are still figuring out the last few details. It reads: "Ticket prices, availability, and even the ticket provider, will take a little longer to decide while organisers evaluate how much space is needed for the production inside the venue. Because the Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV production some sections of the seating may need to be altered to make way for cameras, technical equipment and the stage. This is entirely dependent on the chosen venue."
Who is in the running to perform?
Although the musician representing the UK in 2023's Eurovision Song Contest is yet to be revealed - at the time of writing - there have been some names thrown in to the mix as for who could be in the running.
The UK's act and song will be chosen by TaP music, who became involved in the competition only last year, and BBC in collaboration - a winning partnership after Sam Ryder was chosen by them and ended the UK's 'nul point' streak since 1998 - when the UK last hosted the competition.
CBBC star Molly Rainford, who appeared on Strictly in 2022, has been speculated alongside Rina Sawayama - although this rumour has now been quashed by Radio Times.
As the those who have been confirmed, they are as follows:
Albania - Albina & Familja Kelmendi
Austria - Teya & Salena
Belgium - Gustaph
Cyrpus - Andrew Lambrou
France - La Zarra
Greece - Victor Vernicos
Israel - Noa Kirel
The Netherlands - Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper
Slovenia - Joker Out
Ukraine - TVORCHI
Eurovision Song Contest: Handover Ceremony and Draw airs on BBC2 at 7pm on Tuesday, January 31.
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