The English city of Liverpool will host the musical extravaganza that is Eurovision on Saturday after the UK agreed to host the song contest instead of 2022 winner Ukraine due to the war.

With songs of love, torment, peace and likely sequins aplenty on eye-popping costumes, performers representing 37 nations will battle it out in a city synonymous with pop royalty.

Performing for the 6 000-strong audience, the entrants take the spotlight on a stage designed by Julio Himede, who has said the idea behind it is "a wide hug, opening its arms to Ukraine, the show's performers and guests from across the world".

Ahead of Saturday's Eurovision 2023 crowning, the stage - which boasts 700 video tiles and 1 500m LED lights - has already received a royal seal of approval.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the site shortly before their coronation.

Click 'read more' for everything you need to know about the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.