Eurovision fans all said the same thing about Liverpool on the third day of the Eurovision Song Contest.
People turned out in sequins, Rylan masks and flags representing their home countries as the celebrations continued in Liverpool on Wednesday. For some fans it was their first time visiting the city, with many commenting on how friendly and welcoming their experience had been.
David Lever, 58, and Nigel May, 54, from Brighton, were part of a huge queue on Harrington Street to see Sam Ryder at the Cavern Club. David and Nigel have managed to get tickets for all the Eurovision dress rehearsals and the Grand Final on Saturday, spending around £1,400 on tickets in total.
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Nigel said: "Of all the Eurovision's I've been to, my best welcome has been Liverpool. It's been amazing."
Also in the queue were Graham Monday, 52, and Tony Minion, 62 also from Brighton, who praised the city for being “really well organised” with Eurovision. They watched semi-final one and also have tickets for semi final two tomorrow.
Graham praised the EuroVillage, saying it was the “best they’d been to”. Like many others, Graham also praised the people of Liverpool for being “really lovely”. Elsewhere in the city in Chavasse Park, Eurovision fans were singing their hearts out to their favourite Eurovision songs, including Norway’s “Queen of Kings”.
Kayte Perry, 44, and Leanne Box, 41, both from Newcastle spoke to the ECHO after taking part in a ‘Silent Adventures’ silent disco. The group of dancers busted a move throughout Liverpool ONE to their favourite Eurovision anthems and certainly worked up a sweat.
Kayte said: “We’ve just been dancing lots and had really good fun making idiots of ourselves! “Everyone is so friendly here. It’s a nice small city. We also love the accent.”
Danielle McLauren, 38, who works for Silent Adventures, said it's been a "gorgeous experience" to run Eurovision themed silent discos in the city this week, with people from all over the world taking part. Danielle said: "The vibe in town has just been amazing.
"The group we've just had they were just wonderful. Every single one of them were having an absolute ball.
"It's just really nice that people are here for such a gorgeous event, really coming together and really supporting Ukraine - it's been lovely to be a part of that. We do a Ukrainian classic at Exchange Flags and everyone just went wild for it.
"Maybe I'm biased because I'm Scouse but it is a city of love, it's a city of music. Obviously the slogan 'united by music', I feel like we kind of embody that.
"It is a very welcoming city so I feel like for me, like I said maybe I'm biased, but it I do feel like it is the perfect city [to host] it.
Over at EuroVillage, thousands of fans turned out to watch Finland's Käärijä sing Cha Cha Cha which is proving to be a firm favourite in this year's contest. Norway's Alessandra Mele also took to the EuroVillage stage on Wednesday, along with Marco Mengoni with his entry for Italy.
Beth Colclough, 53, and Becky Fidler, 45, from Nottingham, also said they'd had a "really good experience" during their time in the city so far, adding: "Really friendly people have shown us where to go."
Clare Smith, 51, from Norris Green, and Ian Glasey, 52 from Edge Lane, were among those enjoying the atmosphere at the EuroVillage. The pair were dressed for the occasion, with Ian showcasing his best Union Jack attire.
Ian said: “Liverpool is such a friendly city, and although Glasgow is very similar, Liverpool is definitely the best place for Eurovision. It’s the centre of music in the universe!”
The pair explained how they were “made up” with their tickets for the Semi Final two preview tonight. Although they’re heading back home tomorrow, Ian shared his plans for a “huge Eurovision party” with tinsel curtains and a disco room.
Jayne Riley, from Leamington Spa, was head to toe in sequins at EuroVillage, and explained how she “loved” the city. With tickets for tonight, she dressed for the occasion in full glitz.
She said: “I love it here. I’m a big Beatles fan, I’m a big Liverpool fan, and it’s just so friendly. I’m so excited and absolutely loving my time here. It’s a dream come true.”
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