Despite Jedward, Marty and multi-coloured thongs, there’s no escaping tension in Malmo
Along with the usual whirlwind of afterparties and press conferences, Israel’s involvement amid the war in Gaza makes this most tense Eurovision I’ve been at...
Day one: The 68th Eurovision Song Contest is the most politically charged in the competition’s history, with ongoing calls for Israel to be expelled.
On the turquoise carpet, there are lots of questions regarding Israel’s involvement and the subject of “artwashing”. Most acts express horror about the Gaza war and talk about the importance of music. There is an undeniable tension, and an uncomfortable juxtaposition with the more typical Eurovision questions.
But the acts also answer questions, perform impromptu singsongs and – if you’re the Finnish act – strip down to a multi-coloured thong and Birkenstocks.
Last year, I managed to get into the turquoise carpet after-party. But this year, security is a lot tighter so no such luck. Instead, I go to a bar across the road and enjoy a delicious kycklingsmorgas.
Day Two: Last year, there was a distinct street-party atmosphere in Liverpool. But this year, many of the residents of Malmo oppose Israel taking part – numerous protests and solidarity demonstrations are taking place throughout the city.
Along Eurovision Street there are numerous Palestinian flags flying in a show of solidarity. Some residents are upset that more consideration seems to be given to tourists flooding the city than those who live there.
Back in the arena, Bambie Thug has their first dress rehearsal. It is the most ambitious and creative staging Ireland has had in recent years, and their delivery is pitch perfect. Everyone is confident that we are going to make the grand final. The rehearsals are compulsive to watch; the stage-managing team have just 55 seconds to clean, clear and reset the stage in between each act. I wish I could clean my house that quickly.
Afterwards, Bambie Thug speaks about how hard their Eurovision journey has been and their hopes that they will be able to afford to rent an apartment and buy a new Wiccan altar if they win.
Day Three: It’s the big day. Bambie is due to perform – there are a lot more Irish fans around Malmo and they seem unanimous that, after years of disappointment, Bambie is the performer who is going to change that. “They are a breath of fresh air and what we need,” fan Orla Reilly says.
When Ireland gets called out ninth, there is copious cheering and whooping in the press room. Ireland last qualified in 2018, so this is joyful.
After each televised night, there is a press conference for successful acts. Bambie talks about how happy and “dissociated” they are and jumps up on the table and waves the Irish flag. They later go to the Euroclub – the official Eurovision club – and stage dive.
I feel like I have been awake for approximately 376 hours.
Day Four: There are peaceful protests and demonstrations taking place in Malmo and one of the first takes place on a marina. A large crowd of pro-Palestinian supporters has gathered to welcome a boat travelling to Gaza from Oslo with provisions, and medicine. Organiser Pia Jacobfem tells the crowd: “We say no to Israel throwing bombs with one hand, and glitter with the other.”
Today is the first dress rehearsal for the second semi-final, there are boos when Israel takes to the stage, and the security has increased considerably. There are snipers on the roofs around the venue, armoured cars and even more guards.
Day Five: What day is it? Where am I? Will I be stuck on the Eurovision treadmill forever? I now view my day through the prism of Abba songs; know utterly useless facts about Malmo Arena; and dream about vafflor. The day starts with the media chatting to Marty Whelan about being a grandad, and how he enjoys commentating a lot more when Ireland are in the final.
RTÉ’s head of delegation talks about how hopeful he is for the final. Bambie’s performance “is a piece of art, it is a piece of theatre”.
After this, I head across town, where the mood could not be more different. A large demonstration protesting against Eurovision is taking place in the oldest market square in the city. Irish fans talk about the discord in the community, and how there is a cloud over this year’s contest.
Residents of Malmo say they feel the country is risking the safety of residents, and how intimidating it is seeing so many police with machine guns in the city. “I am outraged that this is happening in our city. This is not what Malmo wants,” Elsa Pakkasvirta says.
Outside the arena, there are further protests, people are dragged away by police. People chant about how “songs and glitter cannot hide the genocide”.
During the semi-final, some Irish fans, including Jedward, leave the arena when Israel takes to the stage. At the press conference afterwards, tensions rise when Israeli contestant Eden Golan is asked if her country’s participation in this year’s Eurovision had put other contestants at risk. When a moderator said they did not have to answer the question, the Netherlands’ act calls out: “Why not?” Golan chooses to answer and thanks the European Broadcasting Union for the security measures they have put in place.
It is now 1am – Eurovision days are long days.
Day Six: The day before the grand final there are rehearsals and suddenly the Netherlands are absent. It causes a lot of consternation among fans. Musicians such as Bambie seem muted in their press conferences. Some events are cancelled. There is fierce debate over what may have happened.
I step outside of the arena for a breather. It is the most tense Eurovision I have ever attended.
‘I now view my day through the prism of Abba songs; know utterly useless facts about Malmo Arena; and dream about vafflor’