9 reasons why we can’t wait for January

  1. Magnus Carlsson plays the RVT

This solo star and former member of bands Alcazar and Barbados has tried, and failed, to represent Sweden eight times in the Eurovision Song Contest. The Eurofest club night at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern has boasted Melodifestivalen stars including Linda Bengtzing and Shirley Clamp. On 13/1 it throws open its doors to Carlsson. Tickets

  • Picture via Live Forever video. Read on for reasons including Eurovision: Your Decision, Alison Steadman & The Glass Menagerie

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PREVIEW: Eurovision Song Contest final

WHEN?: 8pm 14/5

WHERE?: BBC1 (UK, link below) or Ericsson Globe, Stockholm

We’ve had the two semi-finals – and now we know all 26 of the finalists in the 61st Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday. But how will they fare there?

  • Read on for the predicted finishes of each of the 26 finalists including the UK

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PREVIEW: Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 2

WHEN: 8pm (UK time) 12/5 (link below)

WHERE: BBC4 (link below) and Stockholm’s Ericsson Globe

We’ve revised our predictions with the 1st week of rehearsals over for the semi-finalists – and it’s two in and two out.

  • Who’s through and who’s on the first plane out of Stockholm? Read on for our semi 2 predictions

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PREVIEW: Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 1

WHEN?: 10/5

WHERE: BBC4 8pm (link below)

Rehearsals for the 1st Eurovision semi-final started 2/5 and we’ll be updating our semi 1 predictions to reflect them as they progress, so here’s our thoughts on the 18 entries vying for 10 final slots.

  • Who’s through and who’s on the 1st plane out of Stockholm? Read on for our semi 1 predictions

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5 greatest Eurovision Song Contest winners

  1. Abba Waterloo

An obvious winner. Their star burned more brightly and less long than most. Waterloo is so good it sounds so completely of its time (Brighton 1974) yet wouldn’t be out of place in any of the intervening 50 years. ‘So how could I ever refuse …?’

  • Read on for archive performances including Dana International and Conchita

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5 greatest UK Eurovision Song Contest entries ever

  1. Brotherhood Of Man Save Your Kisses For Me

At the risk of a lady disclosing her age, we were six years old when this romped home as the UK’s 3rd winner after Sandie Shaw and Lulu in 1976. We thought the ‘ … even though you’re only 3 …’ pay-off line twee even then. The British Airways-inspired outfits would later front their own entry as Scooch with Flying The Flag in Helsinki in 2007.

  • Read on for highlights and archive performances from acts including Kathy Kirby

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PREVIEW: 8 reasons why we can’t wait for May

  1. UK has a shot at Eurovision 

43 countries, two semis and a final: 14/5. The bookies have the UK’s Joe and Jake 27th as we write this but we’ve heard all the entries and think You’re Not Alone has a shot at winning particularly with an EU referendum 23/6. Our dark horse is Croatia’s Nina Kraljić (main picture and below) who’s channelling Hounds Of Love-era Kate Bush:

  • Read on for reasons including Cyndi Lauper, Aladdin and The Threepenny Opera

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PREVIEW: Melodifestivalen final

WHEN?: Saturday 12 March (7pm UK time) on SVT (link to watch below)

2016 sees the strongest final line-up we can remember and although Frans is currently topping Sweden’s chart the introduction of the international juries into Saturday’s show should add a fascinating dynamic to proceedings.

  • Read on for our predictions for the 12 finalists and their heat performances

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