Guidance on what flags can and cannot be brought into the M&S Bank Arena for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest has been issued.
Fans attending the much-loved music competition at the Pier Head venue are limited as to what they can bring to show their support for their favourite artists and home countries - as balloons, signs, banners and noisemaking devices including vuvuzelas and air horns are prohibited.
Music fans from all over the world will only be allowed to bring in flags under certain sizes and on behalf of Eurovision, the BBC has warned that all prohibited items must be surrendered at the entrance and they will not be returned.
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Attendees will be able to bring in hand-held flags, but those larger than .5 m x 1 m. as well as flag sticks have been banned. Flags of countries which aren’t participating have also been marked on the prohibited list.
Countries who aren’t taking part this year but have done so previously include Russia, due to their invasion of last year’s Eurovision winner Ukraine. Other countries who have ceased their participation - mainly due to the economic impact of the global energy crisis - this year include Bulgaria, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
Whereas Hungary withdrew from the competition in 2020 and has not returned since, likewise with Turkey who cited dissatisfaction with the rules of the competition back in 2013.
A full list of banned items including alcohol, certain belts and bracelets and selfie sticks can be found here.
The prohibited items apply to all the Eurovision Song Contest events being held at the M&S Bank Arena including the family and jury shows. The list also applies to The National Lottery's Big Eurovision welcome party at St George's Hall Plateau, Sunday, May 7.
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