We tried to pretend that today was just like any other day. We spent the morning in an amazing shopping centre that features forest and waterfall themed areas for shoppers to chill, then headed into town to have fair trade coffee and to buy me a Norwegian style onesie from OnePiece.
Yet as the afternoon continued, talk turned to what to wear, what time to leave and how many flags to take. If we were excited yesterday just getting to Malmö and finding our bearings in this town ready to party, we were beside ourselves with the realisation that we were about to experience our first Eurovision.
We left with plenty of time to spare and followed the stream of people wearing and carrying various national flags on to the platform. The arena is only two stops from Central station.
At the arena, all the interesting characters were ready and queuing outside, waiting to support their country. As Denmark is just a short train ride away, there was a conspicuous sea of red and white. Dutch fans were fairly creative with fans in butterfly face paint, with stuffed cows on their hat or dressed as storks. There were even three Germans, dressed in red, yellow and black capes that flashed in the dark, with fluffy wigs and masks, and Germany doesn’t even participate in the semi-finals! (Germany is one of the ‘Big Five’ countries with automatic entry into the competition.) But then I guess I come from a country that doesn’t participate at all.
We obtained fan tickets so were standing on the dance floor. Apparently this was a first for Eurovision as the stadium in Malmö was small by event standards – and a cause for much controversy on the fan social media sites.
Eurovision really is everything you expect it to be. There is no shame. How can there be if you’re dressed like a stork, dancing like you’re in a nightclub and attempting to sing in languages other than your own?
Before the show began, there was a support act of sorts, a trio – one female and two males singing covers of previous Eurovision hits. What an easy gig! The whole audience was dancing and singing along! They certainly know all the words! Being a televised event, the audience has to be in place half an hour beforehand to be briefed on what to do for the broadcast: when to be quiet, when to sing along and to put your hands in the air when your wristband flashes.
As we arrived, we were given a clear, silicone wristband, like a ‘power band’ but with some electronic gadget in it. What was it for? Did it zap you if you tried to leave early or if you left your designated section of the audience? We were relieved to discover they were just part of the lighting effects, centrally controlled to determine which part of the audience lit up and in which colour. The overall effect was pretty spectacular. They still glow pink if you tap them or move them quickly.
After each song, a clip or ‘postcard’ from each country is played. This year’s clips feature the artist in their home country. These are featured in the broadcasts and are also played on screens for the audience while the stage is set. But it’s also fun to watch the gold glitter being blower-vaced off the stage, pianos wheeled on, big dresses carried and set up etc. After the several rehearsals, it all runs so smoothly.
In short, being at Eurovision really is as much fun as it looks. Young men are dancing and singing their hearts out. Flags are waving enthusiastically. People from different countries are speaking to each other in English. The show is over the top! Eurovision is known for its use of wind machines, fireworks, scanty costumes and clueless back up dancers and this year’s event certainly meets all expectations!