Eurovision.tv has published the ultimate party guide for the fans that will not be heading for Helsinki this coming May. Tips, strategies and even pre-designed “official” invitations have been prepared to help you get the most out of the semi and final nights.

The ultimate party in five easy steps according to eurovision.tv:

Step 1: Make it clear whether it is a semi or final party (especially if your friends are not as dedicated as you) to avoid confusion.

Step 2: Send out invitations! An sms or phone call should be enough, but a real invitation will make the difference. Plan ahead and send them out well in advance so that you ensure that as many friends as possible join you. You can dowload and print the "official" party invitations here.

Step 3: Food and drink – get plenty of it! Do it the Finnish way too. Takeaway is always a great solution, but why not try something different this year? You can find lots of Finnish recipes here! If you are rooting for Hanna, then the Hanna-tädin piparkakut biscuits are a must!

Step 4: Get them in the mood! Create the ultimate Eurovision atmosphere by getting well in advance the official mugs to serve your drinks in or start the evening by playing the official Board Game.

Step 5: Be a professional fan! Print out blank score sheets (if you do not have your own, eurovision.tv will be providing for you later on) and keep track of your favourites. Also you can launch a prediction game with a prize or two for the winner.

And remember that this year YLE promise the best transmission ever offering a choice of superb audio (5.1)and video technology available (HD). So if your broadcaster offers the possibility to take advantage of this make sure you get your HD ready TV set in time. Here you can find some more information on HD broadcasting on the BBC HD site.


Thanks to Johnny Logan and Hold me now I fell in love with the Eurovision Song Contest, a love that's been going strong ever since with undiminished passion. My first memories date back to 1977 and the lyrics of Rock bottom, Dschinghis Khan and A ba ni bi are still engraved in my brain. I joined esctoday.com in 2006 as a junior editor after being invited by Barry Viniker, I soon became Senior Editor and during the 2007 contest in Helsinki I was appointed Head of Communications. Today I hold the post of Head of Human Resources and I am proud to be working with the best editorial team in the world.