Well, if you’d asked me last year, as we sat in the glorious setting of Baku’s Crystal Hall on a peninsula in the Caspian Sea, where I would be in the hours before this year’s Eurovision final, I’d never have said on the roof of a shopping centre in the middle of a building site on the outskirts of Malmö.
But that’s where I just was, on the rather grandly over-titled roof terrace of the Emporia Mall, just next to the arena. Admittedly, the view over the Øresund Bridge (I’m using the Danish spelling there just to fox you and to show off a little with my international keyboard) was good, but really, this hall from the outside is not quite in the same league as Baku.
But let that not detract from the fact that it’s been a quite stunning week here in Sweden, and an absolute treat for someone like me who just loves everything this crazy Contest has to offer.
We’ve spent the day taking in the atmosphere around the city. It’s electric. Eurovision Day is always full of anticipation, but there’s something about this that feels in a different league. Maybe it’s because the Swedes, as a nation, love this show like few others. Or maybe it’s because there are some fans who are here for their first-ever Contest, and so many returning fans who chose to sit out the long journey to Azerbaijan last year. But it really is so energising. And we’ll need to feed off that for the three hours of standing that lie ahead. Ooh, my bunions!
If you’re reading this, you’re likely to know the songs already, so there’s really little to add. If you’re a casual viewer, or a friend who’s clicked through to read my thoughts and doesn’t yet know them, then I hope you find plenty to enjoy as you share my little obsession with me.
I’m making myself a bit emotional now writing this, so rather than blow the fuse on my iPad with a tear of joy slipping down my cheek, I’ll just hand over to the broadcasters as we head off to soak in yet more of the build-up.
Fab Eurovision to you all.
Oh, what’s that? You want me to pick a winner? Give over! I haven’t got a clue. OK then: United Kingdom – there, I said it! 🙂
Monty x
