Tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest live final sold out in 36 minutes, after some fans were faced with error messages and holding screens.

Nine shows in total were available for fans to watch at Liverpool’s arena, ranging from semi-final dress rehearsals, all the way through to the live grand final on 13 May.

However, those trying to bag one were met with issues.

People online reported “Error 503” messages, claiming their session had timed out, while others were met with claims they could be a bot.

Tickets for the final sold out in 36 minutes, with the other shows filling up roughly an hour later.

Organisers tweeted that demand had been “super high” for the tickets.

When joining the online queue, fans were met with the message more than 2,000 people were ahead of them, but the actual number was likely far higher.

While the Merseyside venue usually holds 11,000 people, it is thought around 6,000 tickets per show will be available, with space being reduced due to the sprawling stage and the production requirements.

There will be a ticket ballot for the 3,000 tickets that have been set aside for Ukrainians living in the UK on visa programmes.

Fans who didn’t get tickets can still take part in the show, with Liverpool hosting a cultural festival and a Eurovision fan zone, which can hold 25,000 people at the city’s Pier Head.

For those lucky enough to bag a ticket, they may hit a stumbling block when it comes to accommodation, with places to stay across Liverpool during Eurovision week selling out almost immediately after the announcement it would be held there.

Read more:
Everything you need to know about Eurovision 2023
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Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won the contest last year, but it was deemed unsafe to hold it in the country due to the ongoing conflict there, so the UK was chosen to host this year’s event.

Sam Ryder performed for the UK last year in Turin, Italy, finishing in second place (and topping the jury vote leaderboard).

Who is hosting the show?

The hosting team will include a Ukrainian name in singer Julia Sanina, alongside TV star and singer Alesha Dixon, and Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham.

Graham Norton will also step out from the commentary booth to join the hosts in the final, with Mel Giedroyc replacing him behind the microphone.

Timur Miroshnychenko will be the Ukrainian commentator.

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Who is the UK’s act?

Rumours have been rife in recent weeks about the identity of the UK’s act, which will be chosen through an internal selection process – the same as last year.

TaP Music and the BBC will select the UK’s representative, and have so far kept quiet on who they might be, ahead of an expected announcement this week or next.

Among those who have been rumoured to be performing include Rina Sawayama, Mimi Webb and Birdy – all former Brit Award nominees and with new music out.

Eurovision week begins on 8 May in Liverpool, with the grand final live show bringing it to an end on 13 May.

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