UNITED IN MUSIC

UNITED IN MUSIC

By Jo Henwood

MAE WROTE A SONG

Are you ready for Eurovision? Even if you’re a Eurosceptic it’s hard to avoid the feelgood factor spreading across Liverpool and beyond.

The slogan, United in Music, says it all. Liverpool, hosting on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine because of that country’s ongoing conflict, is using the power of music to bring communities together.

If you weren’t lucky enough to secure tickets for the 67th Eurovision final on Saturday, May 13, the party atmosphere will be growing in and around the city throughout the week.

We look at what’s happening, where you can watch the show and ideas to party at home.

Mae Muller has already surpassed Eurovision super status. The 25 year old has been hailed the ‘relatable queen of sass’.

Her self penned club anthem style song – ironically entitled ‘I Wrote a Song’ – is an outpouring of the heartbreak caused by a cheating partner.

It’s not just the catchy melody that’s stuck in our minds. It seems we love a good heartbreak song, especially one about survival. It can actually make us feel better! The lyrics can help us express thoughts and feelings we struggle to say out loud. Hearing that can validate your own feelings and make you feel more powerful. Go Mae!

Read more about Mae here: maemuller.com Or follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @maemuller

UK entry Mae Muller’s song about heartbreak has won the hearts of millions.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Staying home to celebrate means no entry queues or waiting around for taxis and can be just as much fun. Buy your bunting and flags early to avoid disappointment!

• BBC Good Food offers theme buffets – think Boom Bang a Bang chicken and creamy Swedish meatballs: bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/eurovision-party-recipes

• Pinterest is perfect for party ideas – there’s even a Eurovision Bingo! Pinterest.com

HOW EUROSAVVY ARE YOU?

1. In which year did ABBA first enter Eurovision?

2. What was Sonia’s 1993 entry?

3. How many times has the United Kingdom hosted the Eurovision Song Contest? (Answers at the bottom of the page).

SPOT SONIA

• Follow a city wide trail to uncover 20 cut outs of Sonia, the UK’s runner up entry for Eurovision in 1993

• Eurovision TV describes Liverpool as ‘a city that dances to its own beat.’ See more at eurovision.tv

WHERE CAN YOU WATCH?

• Eurovision fan zone at Pier Head will have live music stages and big screens showing semi-finals on 9 and 11 May with the final on Saturday 13 May

• Over in the Baltic Triangle, Camp & Furnace will be the city’s official party venue with a EuroClub takeover from 5 May

• Watch all three live Eurovision 2023 shows on BBC One – you’ll be among 160 million viewers across the world.

COME AND JOIN US

• The city will be alive with visitors from all over the world looking for places to stay, golden tickets and new friends. Take a ride in – you never know who you’ll meet!

Go to: visitliverpool.co.uk

STICK TO THE RULES

Eurovision rules state that:

• Songs must be original and no more than three minutes long

• Lead vocals must be performed live

• No more than six performers can take to the stage during any one performance

• Winners are chosen by a jury of music industry professionals and viewers.

FESTIVAL FEVER

• A diverse cultural festival in the lead up to May’s main event will include events and installations celebrating UK music, Eurovision and most importantly, act as a platform for showcasing modern Ukraine.

Go to: cultureliverpool.co.uk

ANSWERS TO QUIZ

1973 with Ring Ring, a year before winning with Waterloo. 2. Better the Devil you Know

3. Nine times