Things are starting to filter through about the Eurovision shows.

Apparently at the final, the interval will be a 'winter wonderland'. Some talk of fake snow on the audience.

The opening act at the final is Dima Bilan doing 'Believe' again, but he'll be flying over us on wires. They are putting a ice on the stage for an ice skating spectacular too.

As for the opening Eurovision party, it is rumoured to be hosted on 10th May in the Red Square. THAT WILL BE AMAZING!

The Euroclub is meant to be in the exhibition centre about 5 mins walk from Red Square.

And then finally, I've heard that as part of the party (dont know if they mean opening or closing party) there will be a 'History of Eurovision' concert with some of the past winners performing including my beloved and favourite Ruslana (Ukraine 2004), Marija (Serbia 2007), Helena (Greece 2005), and Dana International (Israel 1998). If that happens, I think I might wet myself at the concert out of excitement.

just woke up again to read the latest on the ticketing saga. It appears that the website didnt work anywhere but Russia this morning meaning that no-one outside of Russia got a ticket to the final. Well, how are they going to explain that? Hmm? What are the EBU doing about this?

I mean, I'm relieved that us fanclub members got tickets already, but this is ridiculous.

The website is 'working' now, but after going in and trying to book another rehearsal ticket it appears that all the instructions after selecting a seat are conveniently in Russian! I havent a clue what I'm doing on it. I put the online translator thingy on and it didnt come up with any payment stuff, it says to click 'my orders' (which doesnt work) to pay. So I can only see that this is an utter farce.

People who have rung the phone line for tickets from outside Russia have said that it goes to onhold music for about 15 mins and then hangs up on you. So no-one is getting tix that way either.

Its starting to get quite obvious that most tickets will be sold on the black market to European fans at a far higher price.

In some good news, they have moved the opening ceremony/party from the 9th May to the 10th May which means I'll be there for it now. It apparently is to be held on Red Square, which I have a feeling could be a massive highlight of my trip.

They have also drawn the running order for the semis and finals. Not bad. Semi 1 does sound a little dull though. Spain is really trying to push this year to win. Soraya is doing massive promo and talking herself up, and now they have the amazing final performance spot in the final.

ok, now this is REALLY ridiculous. Apparently all the ticket ordering is only working in Russian on the website now.

I found something else though... there is a 'Russian only' ticketing agency that is handling some tickets as well (its official - I found it through the official website), and they not only have English translating available on their site, they will let international orders through as long as you pick them up on arrival in Moscow (no delivery offered). There are no issues with their website, but they have well and truly sold out of tix for the final and the 1st semi (but for some reason not the 2nd semi - there are HEAPS of tix left for it).

So, I now have my VIP ticket to the final dress rehearsal the night before the final. Total cost of $A48.
I think that might be it for me ticketing wise now.

I'm told that as fan club members we can go to the afterparty on the finals night. I really, really hope so. I'm planning on having a big one and then going home to just vacate my apartment and head to St Petersburg the next night on the overnight train.

Ukraine has just released its promo video for their act 'Be my valentine'. Its ummm... like going to a night at the Hellfire club. Or that leather bondage float at Mardi Gras. I have a feeling it will be an 'interesting' act on stage from them this year. But then, when havent the Ukraine done something fabulous at Eurovision? I'm still in love with Ruslana from 2004 :-)

The public tix for Eurovision have been on sale for about 2 hours. They opened the site early without warning. It's probably been down for about ummmm...2 hours. I dont know who they hell is able to buy tix through it. First you login then it logs you out. If you actually get to the bit where you select seats it then goes blank on the delivery page. And to top it off, they dont seem to have any of the rehearsal tix on sale. I'm trying to get a VIP ticket to the final rehearsal they night before the FINAL.

Everyone is currently VERY annoyed. And no-one is giving answers. After ringing the box office in Moscow directly, they said they won't deal with non-Russian orders on the phone.

I don't think thats very good service for Eurovision.

At least, thank god, I have my final and semi final tix already through the fan club.

SUGGESTION TO ALL PROSPECTIVE EUROVISION GO-ERS: Join your local OGAE fanclub - show your support for Eurovision and your country, and it will reward you back.

whoop!
I just paid for my Eurovision tickets! 185 Euro (because I had a holding deposit on them of 30 pounds). They set it up so I just paid via Paypal to make it quick and easy.

phew. The stress is all over. Let the Eurovision fun begin!

I don't feel apprehensive at all about going over there - the fanclub have all been so friendly and it does seem like a bit of big family when you go to Eurovision. Theres a fanclub for every country there so I imagine it will be massive. I can't wait to meet some of the other fanclub people from places like Sweden and Germany.

I even booked my Edinburgh to London train last night (only 14 pounds - bargain!) so its really all over when it comes to planning, booking and paying. Only spending money left to save and change.

7.5 weeks till I head to Moscow!!!!!

OH YEAH BABY!

All my tickets to Eurovision (section in front of the stage!) come to a grand total of 203 Euros through the fanclub! Like $400 for everything. wow. I'm ready to fork over the money right now. Can't believe it. And then I just go and pick them up on arrival in Moscow.

I was told to expect around 300 Euros 6 months ago for the ticket package. They are selling individual tickets to the public for the 2 semis, final and 9 rehearsals at a cost of 480 Euros (very average seating).

And my lovely shiny plastic rather official looking membership card is in the post already. I should have it early next week.

Ah, bless 'em.
ok, now this was worth the wait. All that stressing...

Havent heard the final versions of everything, nor seen all of them performed live, but going out on a limb to guess the final 25 acts for Eurovision (the final - the qualifers - in order of possible results)...
Let's see how many I get right in my selection at least...

Norway
Azerbaijan
Iceland
Greece
Finland
Ukraine
Spain
Turkey
Germany
Malta
Armenia
Ireland
France
Sweden
Poland
Hungary
Montenegro
Romania
Switzerland
Denmark
United Kingdom
Moldova
Russia
Czech Republic
Estonia

The 1st semi final is nowhere near as strong as the 2nd semi, so I guess I could have some surprises in store.