British Eurovision fans have flocked to fan events and the Wiener Stadthalle venue in Vienna ahead of the song contest’s second semi-final on Thursday, saying the nation is “desperate for points” in Saturday’s grand final.
Many shops and attractions are closed in the Austrian capital on Thursday as the country celebrates Ascension Day but fans have still been filling the city’s Stephansplatz central square and surrounding bars in colourful outfits, with many featuring Eurovision’s recognisable heart logo.
British fans have turned out in their numbers to support Look Mum No Computer, real name Sam Battle, who will perform on Thursday night despite having already qualified as one of the big four, alongside Germany, Italy and France, who contribute the most to Eurovision financially.
Host nation Austria’s entry Cosmo is also already qualified but will perform in Thursday’s show.
Fan Marc Deruelle, who travelled from the UK, told the Press Association: “I’ve come over for my first time to watch it and cheer on our boy Sam, and hopefully see us get some points this year, we’re desperate for them after the last few years of not doing so well… it’s a great laugh.”
He said he did not want to see the UK go “three years on the trot with no public points” during the voting at Saturday’s grand final.
Another British fan, Louise, who had travelled from High Wycombe for the contest, said she thought Battle’s song Eins, Zwei, Drei was “a great fun track” but added that she did not think it was “quite as good as some of the top runners”, tipping Finland to take the title.
A food market around the central square has seen many fans tucking into traditional Austrian schnitzels and sausages, while being serenaded by a brass band, with many cafes displaying a Eurofan sign to tell fans they are welcome, with Ukrainian flags among the most popular along with those of the host.
Protests against Israel’s inclusion in the competition amid its actions in Gaza have been kept to a minimum around the Wiener Stadthalle, with a heavy police and security presence, but a protest event featuring speeches and music called No Stage For Genocide is planned for Friday at Venediger Au, a play park on the city’s outskirts.
Israel’s inclusion has led to a boycott from Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia.
Asked for his opinion on Israel’s participation in the competition, Mr Deruelle quoted Eurovision’s slogan saying “we should all be united by music”, adding that “everyone should come together”.
Australian fans Naomi and Justine, from Tasmania, arrived at Eurovision with high expectations, with their country having arguably the competition’s best known act, former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem.
Justine said: “She’s known all over so she’s got a good shot, we reckon we’re through to the final and hopefully on the left side of the board.”
Israel’s Eurovision entry Noam Bettan was booed by some in the crowd during his performance in Tuesday’s first semi-final.
The 28-year-old made it through to Saturday’s final after receiving a mixed reception from the crowd before his performance began, with some members of the audience shouting, and later booing during the quiet moments of his song Michelle.
Israel’s 2025 entrant Yuval Raphael received the largest number of votes from the public last May, ultimately finishing runner-up to Austrian winner JJ after the jury votes were taken into account.
Two protesters unsuccessfully attempted to storm the stage and throw paint during her performance last year.
Earlier this week, human rights group Amnesty International criticised the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for its failure to suspend Israel from the song contest, as it did with Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, calling it an act of “cowardice” and a “blatant double standard”.
