At the first Eurovision Song Contest final in 1956, all the contestants wore tuxedos or evening gowns, and were accompanied by an orchestra. The voting was done in secret. Just seven countries entered.

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. Since 1958, almost every contest has been hosted by the previous year's winner. But the champions of 2022 are still fighting off the Russian invasion. Instead, the contest will be hosted by second-placed Britain on the Ukrainians' 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.

This year's UK contestant, Mae Muller, is notorious for her outspoken political views. On social media she has castigated the Conservative PartyA British political party. Members are known as Tories.. She once declared "I hate this country" in a row over free school meals.

Now the BBC is understood to have told her not to make any political statements at the contest. It says the contest should be all about music, not politics.

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.

While politics can be divisive in Europe, it has just as 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 controversy in some conservative member countries.

Others think it is simply impossible to keep politics at bay in an event like Eurovision. They say politics is already making itself felt. 

Steve Rotheram, 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 over the weekend.

That helps to explain why, for some young people, Mae Muller's political statements are part of her appeal. Her jovial dislike of her own country strikes a chord with a generation that feels let down by national politicians and hopeless about the future of the UK.

When the glitz and glamour have died down and all the guests have left, some critics say, Britain will be left to clean up the confetti and contemplate its decline.

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.