From the Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev
Hotting up
After a pretty exhaustive trip I have finally arrived in Kiev, Ukraine, to attend the 50th Eurovision Song Contest.
With temperatures of up to 25 degrees the whole city is a buzz of activity and there is a real carnival atmosphere everywhere. I have also never seen so many police officers in a city in my life.
I am reliably informed that the Irish delegation is in good form, with Donna and Joe's rehersals going well. The composer of Love?, Ireland's entry, Karl Broderick had a shaky start though when his luggage was lost en route. It didn't help matters that he had to do a TV press conference upon arrival! He has since been united with his luggage however and is back to being the style icon that he is.
It's too soon to report on any parties, but tonight is expected to be a big night, in advance of tomorrow evening's semi-final. Ray D'Arcy, who presented the You're A Star contest, also flew out today with his Today FM production team and will broadcast live from Kiev tomorrow and Friday. I'm in good company, because they know how to party.
More anon.
