Eurovision fans are revealing how they started hosting parties and their must-haves for every event.
The contest is only a few weeks away and excitement levels are through the roof. Every year, the EuroVillage and chosen arena host thousands of guests from around Europe but those who are unfortunate in grabbing tickets decide to take things into their own hands.
A homemade Eurovision party is a tried and tested event that every fan has been to at least once. They're held all over the world and the contest even shouts out a few during their live broadcasts.
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A Eurovision party can bring those closest to us together even more with it being a family affair for 34-year-old Dan Longman. Last year he invited his extended family to his Liverpool apartment with it quickly snowballing into an annual tradition.
He said: "It has become a bit of a tradition to host a Eurovision Final party in my flat. Me and my partner Keith get the flags up, put out some continental nibbles and offer some specially made drinks laid on in honour of the occasion. The UK performed incredibly well in 2022 but we had no idea that the contest would end up just 15 minutes down the road 12 months later.
"A genuinely good party has to have commitment from all of its attendees. You must embrace the show in its entirety - the great, the bad, the funny, and those bizarre gorilla-esque or granny-shaped performances that can't really be explained."
Pablo O’Hana, 28, kickstarted his own tradition in 2011 to celebrate Jedward's participation in the contest. They returned again the following year which meant another party had to be held but because of the runaway success of the first two, it was a no-brainer to keep the celebrations going.
Pablo told the Liverpool Echo: "It became so much fun and people were beginning to rely on me hosting, so here we are a decade later, still going and getting bigger and better!
"I invited all my friends who were into Eurovision. I’m always keen to make sure that people who are invited and come are willing to get into the Eurovision spirit."
This year will see the addition of a sweepstake, confetti and some flashy new lights for the garden but the party has formed a few ground rules that must be followed in order to label it a success. Discussing the absolute must-haves for a Eurovision party, Pablo, from Manchester, said: "Bunting is the big one for me.
"Back in 2011, I made a load of UK and Ireland bunting from my mum’s old curtains, so I have about 150ft of bunting which I cover the garden in. Another key element is that each invitee to my party has to choose a country and bring a dish of food from that country. There’s always a big rush each year to get a country that people can actually make or get food from! But that means you get a nice variety of things to eat, not just the standard crisps and pizza party food. People really go all out and find unusual and unique recipes.
For some, Eurovision parties have been a staple for decades. Monty Moncrieff, 52, hosted his first back in 1991 between university friends and continued the tradition around the world.
He said: "We were studying modern languages so there was interest among some fellow students, as at that time you still had to sing in a national language. We also had foreign students with us so lots of people from different countries all supporting their home entry. I’d always watched on my own until then and it was so much more fun with a group of people.
The following year we were studying abroad in Germany so arranged a viewing party in halls of residence, much to the bemusement of the German students. There was a panic during the build-up as the whole town experienced a power cut in the afternoon but thankfully it was restored by the evening. We thought we’d have to get some batteries to listen to it on the radio!"
The London resident is one of the lucky few to bag himself a ticket for this year's live shows which means his party has been put on hold. Assuming things are back on track for next year, there are a few aspects expected to return.
He added: "Obviously, you need scorecards and flags! A sweepstake helps too and gives your guests some skin in the game. We’ve sometimes had themes – after Denmark won with Fly On The Wings Of Love the party the following year had a flying theme and the invitations were send out with Boarding Passes and a “Safety Briefing” telling guests what to expect.
"International snacks always go down well, and a selection of drinks from all nations – but don’t peak too soon! It’s a long night. But however and wherever you watch it’s about the joy of Eurovision, and knowing the whole of Europe is watching with you."
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