Liverpool, the 'World Capital of Pop', will host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest and we’re wondering if there are local book shops and record stores that want to help us celebrate with copies of Roy D. Hacksaw’s hilarious Eurovision novel, ‘Worst. Eurovision. Ever’. Just get in touch and we'll send you some copies.
The book’s about some plucky underdogs from Moldova unexpectedly winning the contest and the show’s organisers worrying about where to host the following year’s competition. But the location turns out to be the least of their worries as a procession of unlikely artists begin to be chosen for the show, and everything from Norwegian black metallers, a Saudi Arabian prince performing for San Marino, and an Icelandic bloke dressed as a dog, cause a cascade of complications before a single note has even been sung!
'Worst.Eurovision.Ever' is Roy's second novel, after his equally hilarious debut, 'Bugger Banksy' about the artists graffiti turning up on a weed building.
The real Eurovision Grand Final is on Saturday 13 May, with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 May, so plenty of time to get in touch so we can send you some excellent and amusing books and top rump games to help you celebrate the competition here in the UK.
The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will take place in the Liverpool Arena next to the River Mersey on Saturday 13 May with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 May.
The BBC, together with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), will organise the Contest in consultation with UA:PBC, Ukraine’s public broadcaster and last year’s winners of the Contest.
Liverpool was chosen following a strong city bid process that examined facilities at the venue; the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists; infrastructure; and the cultural offer of the Host City in reflecting Ukraine’s win in 2022.
To coincide with the announcement of the Host City, the EBU has released the official logo for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, which contains the Ukrainian flag within the heart. The logo design reflects that although the competition will be held in the UK, it will be done on behalf of Ukraine, the winners of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Read more: A History of the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest Read more: A History of Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest
Both Ukraine and the United Kingdom have a long and fascinating history when it comes to the Eurovision Song Contest, with multiple iconic performances, and 8 wins between them!
The BBC has staged the Eurovision Song Contest more times than any other broadcaster… with Liverpool marking the 9th occasion:
The BBC has a rich history of Eurovision participation, and has stepped in to host the Contest numerous times when the previous winning broadcaster could not (in 1960, 1963, 1972, 1974 and 2023).
Ukraine is one of the biggest success stories of the Eurovision Song Contest, having produced 3 winning songs and 2 runner-ups since their debut in 2003.
They’re also the only country (‘Big Five’ aside) to have qualified for the Grand Final on every occasion since the Semi-Finals were introduced in 2004, and it was at that Contest in Istanbul that Ukraine won for the first time.
Praise for ‘Worst. Eurovision. Ever’: “Forget everything you think you know about Eurovision, because this book shows you the stuff you don’t see on TV.” Caroline Westbrook - Metro “Hilarious and heart-warming, this is a must read for anyone who loves Europe’s favourite TV show!” James Scanlan - Eurovision Ireland
“Roy takes the essence of the Eurovision, mixes it with a dose of realism, and delivers a cocktail of the fabulous.” Phil Colclough - OnEurope.co.uk “If you’ve ever wondered what Eurovision is really like behind the scenes, this book will take you right there. It’s a hilarious tale, where dreams coming true is only the start of a wild ride.” Robyn Gallagher - Wiwiblogs
“Roy really brings the joy of Eurovision in its intimate detail, with an enthralling plot that will keep you gripped until the end!” Nathan Waddell - ESCxtra “If you can imagine it, it’s happened backstage at Eurovision. Roy guides you through the reality-adjacent tales of diplomatic skullduggery, musical crimes and glittering triumphs.” Dr Ellie - Eurovision Again.
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