'After Eurovision, I need to re-enter the normal world gently'
It's the morning after the night before. I find confetti in my hair and glitter on the bedsheets. I'm feeling glum. However, the Eurovision bubble is well and truly burst and I'm suffering from Post-Eurovision Depression.
On the train from Stansted I overheard the word 'qualifier'. I thought they were talking about the contest, only to realise they were actually talking about the football. Back to earth with a bump – OUCH!
My non-Eurovision friends will have to humour me and listen as I waffle on at how brilliant the show was and be willing to analyse the results. I need to re-enter the normal world gently. Sorry. However, I've consoled myself with finding things that will help. Listening to the pop-up Eurovision station on BBC Radio 2, (thank you BBC), knowing that I will be able to re-watch all of the shows on iPlayer over the next week. And finally, attending West End Eurovision on the 22nd May. Whoop!
Whilst in Copenhagen, watching people dressed up and doing Eurovision karaoke in the street, I said to my friends: "I just don't understand why people DON'T like Eurovision." Really, I just don't get it. What's not to like? The music is such fun and now so varied. Wow – this year we had power ballads, rock, folk and more. The staging was amazing and for a family entertainment show, it really can't be beaten – which is why I loved it as a child.
I've now been going to the live shows since 2003 (missed two) and within that time have met some fabulous people who might be an accountant or banker by day, but for one week in May – they are party animals, Eurovision style.
'Hello Copenhagen, Montreal calling!'
Good lord, is this really the sixth year in a row that I've held a Eurovision screening party? Every time they manage to get bigger, and every time more and more of my friends learn about another side of Europe...
I guess the timing of the contest fits well for a party; by mid-May, everyone has finished their exams and the weather has finally turned towards something a little less hostile. In other words, the perfect time of year to dress up in gold lamé and drink heavily at 3pm. As far as this year went, we brought in a full keg of strong Danish ale from across provincial borders. We also had a DIY smorrebrod spread, homemade cinnamon buns and apple tarts, LEGO-shaped candies... the Danish food table was a collaborative success.
After adding up the scorecards this morning, Belarus won among our few dozen partygoers, with Poland and Austria tied very close behind in second place (Sweden was in last place with negative points). Though, the top result for Belarus could have been influenced by the cheesecake we had baked for the event, with Teo's face in edible ink smirking back at all of us.
Vienna 2015! Liptauer and Stiegl for all.
'It's not just the show that has copious amounts of cheese'
My husband and I celebrate Eurovision with a big party every year, sweepstakes, flags, European foods and lots of cocktails often result in dancing to Gina G at 2am. As you can see from the photo, it's not just the show that has copious amounts of cheese.
