Eurovision Day has finally arrived, but it’s a bittersweet note for its worldwide plethora of fans.
The 2020 final was sadly cancelled earlier this year due to restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, with many fans taking to Twitter to share their sadness.
But despite this UK fans will still be be able to celebrate the iconic show as BBC is set to fill their evening schedule with an array of specials in honour of this year’s acts and iconic songs from years past.
Sad: Eurovision fans have been sharing their united sadness on the day the cancelled final was schedule to take place
Many Eurovision fans took to Twitter on Saturday to share their upset that the ceremony will not be going ahead.
It was due to take place in Rotterdam in The Netherlands, with Graham Norton offering his usual witty commentary for UK viewers.
Fans were who were set to travel to the ceremony were particularly upset, as the UK remains in COVID-19 lockdown.
Tragic: James Newman was originally set to represent the UK at the live final in Rotterdam, but his performance will feature in a special in place of the show
However others were still determined to enjoy the celebration of some of the more weird and wonderful in European music.
One fan tweeted: ‘Tonight should have been #Eurovision & party time. Oh well next year,’ while another posted: ‘Should be waking up in Rotterdan ready for an all day #Eurovision party.
‘Instead I’m waking up in Manchester with no all day party. And grey skies. F**k you Covid!’
Another added: ‘Being reminded that #Eurovision is cancelled tomorrow night is really quite sad. One of the best nights of year.
‘Hopefully they’ll make up for it by having the best one ever next year!’
‘Me waking up excited on #Eurovision Day and then remembering it’s cancelled,’ another devastated fan posted.
Another penned: ‘So sad that #Eurovision is cancelled. There are so many good songs this year and this might be the most diversity in the artists I’ve ever seen.’
Grieving: Many fans took to Twitter to share their sadness on the day of the cancelled final, but many insisted they will still enjoy the day
A fan also tweeted: ‘It’s Eurovision day! Albeit different but the excitement is still there!’
‘No #Eurovision this or humorous commentary from @grahnort mocking other countries acts never mind always next year!’
Despite the final’s cancellation, BBC have still been planning to fill the schedule with TV specials honouring the music contest, starting with a UK vote for the nation’s favourite song from its 60-year history.
Axed: Eurovision 2020 was cancelled in March amid the coronavirus pandemic, but organisers are airing a special in its place (pictured last year’s final in Tel Aviv)
Hosted by Graham Norton, fans will see an array of different acts from throughout Eurovision’s history, before being given a chance to vote for their favourite.
Following that will be a Europe-wide special Eurovision: Shine A Light aired live from Rotterdam, featuring all 41 acts that would have taken part in this year’s final, with Graham once again offering his usual commentary.
Over on BBC Two, Rylan Clark-Neal will present The A-Z of Eurovision to lookback at some of the show’s best and most bizarre moments.
In March Eurovision organisers announced the 2020 Contest had been cancelled, saying in a statement: ‘We, like the millions of you around the world, are extremely saddened that it can not take place in May.
‘The health of artists, staff, fans and visitors, as well as the situation in the Netherlands, Europe and the world, is at the heart of this decision.’
James Newman was due to represent the UK at the contest with his song My Last Breath, and it’s thought that all of this year’s acts will be offered the chance to compete next year, but with different songs.
Ahead of the final being cancelled, bookies had tipped Bulgaria and Lithuania as favourites to win.
Eurovision: Come Together airs at 6:25pm followed by Eurovision: Shine A Light at 8pm on BBC One.
Amazing: The special will feature all 41 acts that would have competed (pictured is last year’s winner Duncan Laurence from The Netherlands)