BBC Radio 2’s Zoe Ball Breakfast Show was live from the British Music Experience in Liverpool on Friday ahead of the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest.
RadioToday was there tweeting from behind the scenes too, with some of our coverage further down in this article.
The Liverpool Brass Band performed throughout the show during which Zoe was joined Eurovision legends, super-fans and some of those involved in this year’s contest.
From 8am, she chatted to Sam Ryder and caught up with Radio 2’s Eurovision Grand Final hosts, Scott Mills and Rylan.
From 8.30am, Zoe spoke to Mel Giedroyc and Chris and Rosie Ramsey, and from 9am she was joined by The Fizz, the British pop group formed of three of the original members of 1981’s Eurovision winners Bucks Fizz, along with more chat from Scott, Rylan, Chris and Rosie plus Revd. Kate Bottley.
Meanwhile, Richie Anderson was out and about, meeting people from across the continent and beyond who have travelled to Liverpool to join the party.
Thanks to BBC Radio 2 for having us!
We’re at the @BritishMusicExp in #Liverpool for the @BBCRadio2 @ZoeTheBall breakfast show #Eurovision pre-party! The audience are just about to flood in for a special live show. pic.twitter.com/TMLWJHYTZY
— RadioToday Live (@RadioTodayLive) May 12, 2023
#Eurovision royalty join @ZoeTheBall on the show. It’s @Rylan, @scott_mills and @SamRyderMusic! pic.twitter.com/IeZNGITRvr
— RadioToday Live (@RadioTodayLive) May 12, 2023
He’s got to sing if he’s here! @SamRyderMusic performing Mountain which he’ll be showing Europe and the world on tomorrow’s #Eurovision grand final. pic.twitter.com/ZoDG8lvyuE
— RadioToday Live (@RadioTodayLive) May 12, 2023
Sticking to strict timings with producer @JordanHemingway at this O.B. at the @BritishMusicExp in #Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/H0mCPIt5hI
— RadioToday Live (@RadioTodayLive) May 12, 2023
.@BBCRadio2 Breakfast Show guest @MelGiedroycShow is sharing commentary duty with @GrahNort on tomorrow’s #Eurovision grand final on BBC1. pic.twitter.com/kDjcremEFz
— RadioToday Live (@RadioTodayLive) May 12, 2023
#Eurovision legends are introduced onto the stage by @Richie_Anderson. It’s @TheFizzCMJ! pic.twitter.com/GOuAUY3zB6
— RadioToday Live (@RadioTodayLive) May 12, 2023
That’s it from the @BritishMusicExp. The invited public audience loved the fun and frolics of the show, reflecting the festival atmosphere in the city of #Liverpool right now. Congrats to @BBCRadio2 for continuing to build listener engagement when and where it matters! pic.twitter.com/yRN6Y6EpJB
— RadioToday Live (@RadioTodayLive) May 12, 2023
Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show was also live from Liverpool today, 12-2pm, with Jeremy looking at what the event means to Ukraine and Ukrainians who have fled the war to come here.
He had the latest from Kyiv and talked to Ukrainian musicians, including Kalush Orchestra who won Eurovision last year, the 2016 Ukraine winner Jamala, and this year’s Ukrainian entry TVORCHI, plus those who have come to settle in the UK to escape the conflict and charities in Liverpool who are helping them.
Jeremy also spoke to Sandie Shaw, who won Eurovision for the UK in 1984.
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk