Choices hosts a Eurovision-themed fundraiser at Kings
THIS year’s Eurovision song contest may not have gone the UK’s way.
However, such was the enthusiasm among local fans that the winner was less important than revelling in the special spirit and atmosphere of the event, which seemed even stronger than usual as the UK hosted it for the first time in 25 years. Kings’ 1857 sports bar was the venue for one local party organised to raise funds for Choices sexual health charity. About 90 people were there on Saturday evening, dressed up and watching the competition on the bar’s big screen.
‘The atmosphere was really good and people were enjoying themselves,’ said organiser Caroline Dorey.
She used to work for Choices and suggested the party as a fundraiser to manager Fiona Hardy, who liked the idea and ended up helping behind the scenes, as did Louise Hardy and Kim Le Prevost.
Everyone was encouraged to dress up for the occasion. A table representing Australia took the honours.
‘One person had an inflatable kangaroo, another was a surfer being eaten by a shark and they had Australia-themed costumes,’ said Mrs Dorey.
Ahead of results being announced in Liverpool, fans at Kings predicted the top three acts.
‘We had one person who predicted it correctly,’ said Mrs Dorey.
In Liverpool, Finland was in first place after winning the public vote, but Sweden, which led after the jury voted, secured enough additional public votes to end up winning Eurovision for the third time in 11 editions.
The UK’s entry was second from last.
‘Some people thought the UK should have done better but at least we didn’t get “nul points” and we weren’t last,’ said Mrs Dorey.
She expected the event would raise about £1,000 for the charity.
