A group of die-hard Eurovision fans gathered outside the Harrogate Convention Centre yesterday evening to celebrate the night, 40 years ago, when Harrogate hosted the event.
Getting into the Eurovision spirit, the fans strummed a guitar and sang 10 songs, including UK winners such as Katrina and the Waves “love shine a light”.
Eloise Flint, her sister Emily Roberts and her nephew Alex Hill, all from the Harrogate district, were part of the group.
Eloise couldn’t remember exactly how many times she’s been to a Eurovision – it’s that many. Maybe nine or 10 she thought. The event she said is magical:
“It is an amazing spectacle! It’s technologically very impressive especially with the way the songs are presented. There is fantastic creativity.
“The audience and the fans are incredible – it’s like we are one big Eurovision family.”
Emily Roberts on guitar
Read More:
- 40 years on: Jan Leeming’s memories of when Harrogate hosted Eurovision
- 40 years on: Remembering when Harrogate hosted Eurovision
The group ended by singing the 1982 winner for Germany, Nicole’s “a little peace”.
Eloise said the song is particularly poignant this year with war in Ukraine:
“We’re ending on this song as it was the winning song in Harrogate – but it seems the message is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago”.
The next Eurovision is just a few weeks away in Turin, Italy.
If you are thinking of having a punt, the Stray Ferret has been reliably told Sweden and Belgium are the ones to watch.
