This year's Eurovision acts, including Ireland's Wild Youth, were welcomed to Liverpool at the official opening ceremony on Sunday.
Hosted by Olympian Sam Quek and Ukrainian presenter Timur Miroshnychenko, the ceremony saw all 37 acts take to the carpet for a welcome to the city.
Eurovision fans lined one side of the carpet, waving flags and scarves to support their countries.
Norwegian act Alessandra was first to arrive on the carpet, where entrants had their photos taken and were interviewed.
She said: "I feel so blessed. I feel so nice here. I’m the first one out and that’s an honour."
Conor O’Donohoe, from Irish band Wild Youth, said: "It’s all starting to feel very real. Everyone’s getting here now, all the press are here and family are starting to fly in, so it’s all starting to kind of really settle in."
The contestants wore their finest for the occasion, with Croatian group Let 3 taking to the carpet in bustled gowns accessorised with military-style peaked hats and facial hair.
In scenes reminiscent of 1981 UK Eurovision entry Bucks Fizz, the group whipped off their gowns while having their photos taken to reveal white petticoats and vests.
This year's Eurovision acts, including Ireland's Wild Youth, are being welcomed to Liverpool at the official opening ceremony | Read more: https://t.co/KdoFgJLwDi pic.twitter.com/XPN1Puo85m
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Eurovision preparations are in full swing in Liverpool, which is hosting the contest instead of Ukraine because of the Russian invasion.
The Eurovision Village, at the city’s Pier Head, opened on Friday with a performance from last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra and Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears performed there on Saturday after a screening of the coronation.
Ireland will compete in the first Eurovision semi-final takes place on Tuesday.
Source: Press Association
