Liverpool prepares for Eurovision - in pictures

A drone display lights up the sky during the Eurovision welcome event at St George's Hall, Liverpool. Getty
A drone display lights up the sky during the Eurovision welcome event at St George's Hall, Liverpool. Getty
Eurovision fan shows support for UK and Ukraine in Liverpool, which is hosting the contest. AFP
Eurovision fan shows support for UK and Ukraine in Liverpool, which is hosting the contest. AFP
Protect the Beats, an installation made to show solidarity with Ukrainians, on display in the English city. EPA
Protect the Beats, an installation made to show solidarity with Ukrainians, on display in the English city. EPA
Dancers show their support for Ukraine during the welcome event. Getty
Dancers show their support for Ukraine during the welcome event. Getty
Fans gather at Eurovision Village at Pier Head, Liverpool. PA
Fans gather at Eurovision Village at Pier Head, Liverpool. PA
Ukrainian singer Alyosha with British artist Rebecca Ferguson perform in the Eurovision semi-finals at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. EPA
Ukrainian singer Alyosha with British artist Rebecca Ferguson perform in the Eurovision semi-finals at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. EPA
Flags advertise the music competition, which runs until May 13. AP
Flags advertise the music competition, which runs until May 13. AP
UK singer Mae Muller rehearses for the contest. AFP
UK singer Mae Muller rehearses for the contest. AFP
A fan arrives at Liverpool Lime Street train station. PA
A fan arrives at Liverpool Lime Street train station. PA
Gemma Abbey, a member of the UK’s 2003 Eurovision entry Jemini, shows off her Ukraine-inspired nails. Reuters
Gemma Abbey, a member of the UK’s 2003 Eurovision entry Jemini, shows off her Ukraine-inspired nails. Reuters
Alyosha performs during a dress rehearsal. AP
Alyosha performs during a dress rehearsal. AP
Tvorchi, representatives for Ukraine, attend the opening ceremony at St George's Hall. Getty
Tvorchi, representatives for Ukraine, attend the opening ceremony at St George's Hall. Getty
Police patrol Pier Head in Liverpool. EPA
Police patrol Pier Head in Liverpool. EPA