Sophie Ellis-Bextor has shared her "favourite" thing to do in Liverpool ahead of her performance in the EuroVillage.
The city has been gripped with Eurovision fever as Merseyside stages the international song contest. We've seen tens of thousands of Eurovision fans have arrived in Liverpool for a week that will go down in history and incredible performances from artists across the UK, Ukraine and beyond.
Yesterday, huge queues could be seen outside the Cavern Club as fans travelled for miles to see Sam Ryder. And crowds once again gathered to watch Sophie Ellis-Bextor perform in the Liverpool ONE John Lewis store.
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Hosting one of her iconic kitchen disco parties, the singer played some of her favourite tracks alongside a fashion show hosted by John Lewis personal stylists. And tonight, Liverpool's EuroVillage is open once again today with more acts taking to the stage to entertain the crowds - including Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Ahead of her performance tonight, Sophie chatted to the ECHO about all things Eurovision in the city and her Booking.com 'Ultimate Home of Eurovision collaboration. Sophie told the ECHO: "Its been amazing - I think Liverpool has been buzzing.
"It’s got a really great atmosphere. I think Liverpool suits Eurovision - it’s a good pairing. I think it’s been really nicely done because everywhere you turn its got the colours of the Ukrainian flag and I know there’s lots and lots of charity ties with Ukraine.
"It's obviously represented with presenters and performances with the final tomorrow night. It feels very proper but also very supportive. I think it’s very special, it's a very unique situation."
Yesterday, Sophie was in John Lewis and tonight will take to the stage of the EuroVillage alongside other acts such as Charlotte Church and Fleur East. Sophie said: "‘It was really brilliant to meet so many people and hang out.
"I spent the whole afternoon speaking to people, talking about our favourite Eurovision songs, enjoying some tunes, doing a little bit of singing, it’s really fun.
"Tonight I'm going to bring all the party tunes. It’s Friday night, it’s Liverpool, it's the night before the final of Eurovision. I think it's going to be jumping around and hands in the air time."
But this isn't the first time Sophie has visited Liverpool and whenever she visits, there's one thing she always loves to do. She said: "I've been to Liverpool loads of times.
"I come up and down all the time. I'm a big fan of Liverpool and I've got a little bit of time to myself before I head to the Booking.com venue tomorrow so I'm planning to go round the vintage shops. That’s one of my favourite things to do in Liverpool, I've found some amazing bargains before."
A big Eurovision fan herself, Sophie is backing UK representative Mae Muller who she said is "going to smash it," as well as entries for Finland, Norway and Sweden. She told the ECHO: "I think when it comes to it, there’s been so many rehearsals and there’s so much good will.
"I know all the acts are really supportive of each other back stage so I would say just enjoy it. These things go by in a flash and I think it's a really amazing experience, you never get to do stuff like that again so I would just say soak it in and have fun."
Booking.com, Official Travel Partner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, is offering fans a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate this year’s final in the company of disco queen, Sophie Ellis-Bextor at the Ultimate Home of Eurovision, a one night only viewing experience like no other, exclusive to Booking.com. Eurovision fans from across the UK will have the chance to hangout with Sophie and celebrate in true Eurovision style.
The experience includes a one night stay in a sleek Liverpool apartment complete with karaoke machine, fancy dress, a mixologist and all the space guests need to disco in the kitchen. Sophie said: "I am so excited to be in Liverpool this year to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 final alongside the lucky guests who book this experience with Booking.com.
"Being able to celebrate this special occasion in the actual Home of Eurovision this year won’t only be an unforgettable home away from home experience for the guests, but myself as well!*
Ryan Pearson, from Booking.com said: "At Booking.com, it’s important for us to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, whether that’s inspiring ideas for new adventures, tapping into travellers curiosity or showcasing the incredible diversity that exists in the world. We are absolutely delighted to be supporting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 as their official travel partner again."
Sophie Ellis-Bextor doesn't know who is staying yet, but says she assumes they will be "as big of a Eurovision" fan as her.
Located on Liverpool's Pier Head, the EuroVillage opened its gates on Friday, May 5 and will remain open until the Grand Final on Saturday, May 13. To find out more about today's schedule and timetable, click here.
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