Eurovision week is finally here and Liverpool is having its moment in the spotlight as visitors from around the world and a global TV audience of millions tune in.
Whether you live here or you're visiting the city for the first time, there's so much to see and do - from the spectacular shows themselves to the surrounding celebrations at the EuroVillage and venues around the city.
And that's not forgetting all the brilliant things to do in Liverpool all year round, for first-time visitors to discover. From the best bars and restaurants to must-see attractions to visit while you're here, we've put together the ultimate guide to all that the city has to offer during Eurovision.
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The Eurovision Song Contest
Staged at the M&S Bank Arena, the part of the event that most people will recognise as the Eurovision Song Contest is the Grand Final, which takes place on Saturday May 13 at 8pm.
But the event is actually comprised of nine shows in total, including two semi-finals - the first of which was televised last night - and a series of previews and rehearsals that ticketholders can attend.
Here's the full list of shows left to go, at the time of writing:
Semi Final 2:
• Evening preview on Wednesday, May 10 at 8pm
• Afternoon preview on Thursday, May 11 at 1.30pm
• Live show on Thursday, May 11 at 8pm
Grand Final:
• Evening preview on Friday, May 12 at 8pm
• Afternoon preview on Saturday, May 13 at 1pm
• Live show on Saturday, May 13 at 8pm
There were a handful of Eurovision tickets left on Ticketmaster for several shows at the time of publication, but be prepared to pay a wedge for the most popular ones. Only hospitality packages remain for some shows, with prices reaching a whopping £45,000 for a Grand Final suite.
If you are lucky enough to have your hands on tickets, our guide to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, its seating plan, capacity, parking and how to get there might come in handy. Make sure you're up to speed on the rules around bringing flags into the venue and don't bring any of these banned items.
If you're tuning in at home instead, here's the TV schedule for the Grand Final on the BBC.
EuroVillage
Liverpool's dedicated Eurovision village has made Pier Head party central for the duration of the Eurovision festivities.
The fan zone opened to the public on Friday, May 5 and will be open right up until the Grand Final on Saturday May 13.
As well as showing the semi-finals and final on a big screen, it has a daily programme of live entertainment from acts including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Vengaboys and Katrina Leskanich, of Katrina and the Waves.
There's also a Discover Ukraine area paying tribute to last year's winner and celebrating Ukrainian creatives, plus a range of European food and drink to enjoy. Expect to pay up to £10 for a meal and around £6 for an alcoholic drink. Here's a full list of the food and drink prices in the EuroVillage to help you budget.
Entry is free and you don't need a ticket except for the Grand Final day, which is already sold out. Here is everything else you need to know about the Eurovision village at Pier Head, including the full line up and daily schedule.
EuroClub
Camp and Furnace was chosen as this year's EuroClub, promising nine nights of music and celebration for fans from around the world to enjoy.
The star studded schedule of events, which kicked off on May 7 and runs until May 14, features performances from past Eurovision acts including Conchita Wurst and Kalush Orchestra as well as a line-up of DJs.
Passes have sold out but if you were lucky enough to get your hands on one, you can find a full round-up of EuroClub performers and dates here.
EuroFestival
Billed as a 'love letter' to Ukraine as Liverpool hosts the contest on their behalf, the EuroFestival is already in full swing and runs until May 14, transforming the city into a hub of culture, music, art and heritage that tells the story of a modern Ukraine.
Highlights from the packed programme of exhibitions, installations and performances include the Soloveiko Songbirds - a trail of 12 giant light-up nightingales around the city, each representing a different region of Ukraine.
You can find our full guide to the EuroFestival events, activities, their locations and timetable here.
To see a full rundown of activities, their locations and timetable, check here.
Eurovision viewing parties and fan zones in Liverpool
Nowhere throws a party quite like Liverpool and you can find viewing parties and unofficial fan zones in just about every major venue around the city this week.
From Concert Square to the Baltic Triangle, every street in the city will be touched by Eurovision magic. We've pulled together a continuously updated list of Eurovision viewing parties in Liverpool plus the pubs, big screens and fan zones where you can watch.
Museums, galleries, parks and club venues are also getting in on the Eurovision action. St George's Quarter's plans can be seen here. The Pride Quarter's plans can be seen here. Liverpool One's plans can be seen here. Concert Square's plans can be found here. A full list of accessibility needs for key areas around the city can be seen here.
Liverpool's best gay bars, LGBTQ+ venues and their Eurovision events
Liverpool has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community so it's no surprise we're going all out to welcome Eurovision - and nowhere more so than in the city's Gay Quarter. Clubs and bars there and elsewhere in the city will be throwing a host of official and unofficial events.
Take a look at our guide to Liverpool's best gay bars, LGBTQ+ venues and the Eurovision events they're hosting.
Things to do in Liverpool if you're here for Eurovision
Liverpool is a brilliant place to visit any time of year - but the buzz of Eurovision makes it an extra special time. If you're here for the first time, welcome - we've got plenty of ideas to help you plan your time here.
From taking a trip through the city's musical heritage at The Beatles Story exhibition and Cavern Club, to admiring the architecture of Albert Dock, the Liver Buildings and cathedrals, here are 23 of the best things to do in Liverpool.
And don't forget to brush up on your Scouse - the Liverpool dialect is one of our city's great charms and here's how to decipher some commonly used terms.
The best places to eat and drink in Liverpool during Eurovision week
Don't miss a trip to Bold Street for a bite to eat. The popular pedestrianised street boasts plenty of cafes and restaurants including local institution Cafe Tabac - a perfect pit-stop at any time of the day. Scouse is Liverpool’s traditional dish and Maggie May’s is famous for it. Maray is another Bold Street favourite with food inspired by the Middle East and drinks from brands around the city including 92 Degrees Coffee, Turncoat Gin and Love Lane Beer.
Hope Street is another place to hit up for great food and drink, lined with restaurants and pubs including the Philharmonic Dining Rooms and their famous toilets - which even got a starring role in the first Eurovision semi-final.
Further out of town, Lark Lane is south Liverpool’s bohemian street packed with restaurants and bars. You can catch the 82 bus or get the train to St Michael's to get there.
Take a look at our insiders' guide to Liverpool for more tips on places to eat.
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