At the first Eurovision Song ContestA yearly international song competition between European countries, and recently Australia. final in 1956, all the contestants wore tuxedos or evening gowns, and were accompanied by an orchestra. The voting was done in secret.

No-one could have predicted it would one day turn into a four-hour extravaganza with outrageous costumes, huge budgets, and millions of votes cast by viewers.

This Sunday will see an especially unique Eurovision final. Ukraine, the champions of 2022, are still fighting off the Russian invasion, so the contest will be hosted by second-placed Britain on their behalf.

The UK hopes to make it a dazzling display of international unity. Liverpool, where the event will take place, has organised a "scouseA term for someone or something from Liverpool, UK. -Ukrainian mashup", a week-long party with a popup village and traditional Ukrainian food.

And it is to maintain this sense of unity, insiders say, that the BBC is being especially vigilant not to let politics impingeHave a negative effect on or encroach on something. on the occasion. It says the contest should be all about music.

This year's UK contestant, Mae Muller, is known for her outspoken left-wingA range of beliefs that are the opposite of right-wing ideas. People on the political left usually believe in collective responsibility and the good of society. They often, though not always, support higher taxes and a more active, interventionist government. political views. She once declared "I hate this country" in a row over free school meals.

But some think it is silly to try to keep politics out of Eurovision. It is the politics, they say, that makes it such a unique event.

Politics has often brought Eurovision viewers together. Last year the whole event had a note of defiance as nation after nation voted for Ukraine, partly to send a message that Europe has their back.

And the tournament has often been used to make political statements in favour of inclusivity. Most famously, Eurovision has long been a flagship of LGBT+ rights. 

A lesbian kiss by the Finnish entry in 2013, followed by the victory of Austrian drag queenA performer (usually a man) who puts on an exaggerated female act. Conchita Wurst in 2014, sparked joy for LGBT+ viewers and anger in some conservative member countries.

Others think it is simply impossible to keep politics out of an event like Eurovision. The Metro MayorA type of directly elected mayor in England. of Liverpool has warned that Britain's crumbling transport system will be unable to cope with the 100,000 visitors hoping to come to the city.¹ Many fear the UK's political failures will be showcased for the whole world.

Yes: Music has no language: it speaks directly to the heart. That means it is the perfect medium for bringing people together. It should be allowed to work its magic without interference by divisive politics.

No: Music has always been political, ever since BeethovenGerman composer (1770 - 1827) whose intense, dramatic work revolutionised classical music. dedicated his Third Symphony to Napoleon to show his support for the French RevolutionThe overthrow (and subsequent execution) of France's king and aristocratic government in 1789. The revolution became infamous and influential worldwide.. Likewise, Eurovision will always be an arena for politics to play out. 

Or... Politics does not need to be divisive. It was a political commitment that rallied Europe behind Ukraine last year. Music can embrace politics and still unite people.

Eurovision Song Contest - A yearly international song competition between European countries, and recently Australia.

Scouse - A term for someone or something from Liverpool, UK.

Impinge - Have a negative effect on or encroach on something.

Left-wing - A range of beliefs that are the opposite of right-wing ideas. People on the political left usually believe in collective responsibility and the good of society. They often, though not always, support higher taxes and a more active, interventionist government.

Drag queen - A performer (usually a man) who puts on an exaggerated female act.

Metro mayor - A type of directly elected mayor in England.

Beethoven - German composer (1770 - 1827) whose intense, dramatic work revolutionised classical music.

French Revolution - The overthrow (and subsequent execution) of France's king and aristocratic government in 1789. The revolution became infamous and influential worldwide.