What happens in the Eurovision VIP area? Here’s what we saw and which stars we bumped into

For the last few days, we’ve been totally immersed in , and it is absolutely magic.

From getting , to Germany’s act all about their meeting with and his ‘impressive’ hands, and ’s La Zarra

We’ve watched, seen as qualifiers were, and met some of the biggest Eurovision fans in the world – including .

On Thursday night, as Liverpool was gearing up to host the second night of the semi-finals, we got a – how the other half live.

Thanks to Baileys, one of the sponsors for the 2023 event, we got access to one of the most exclusive areas – plus some expertly created Baileys cocktails.

We were brought into the hospitality area of the hotel, a far cry from the functional but basic press centre set-up just two doors down, where we had so far spent most of our time.

A DJ blasted some absolute bops to get people hyped for the semi-finals, which at this point was less than an hour away, while guests helped themselves to a free bar offering everything from spirits to bottles of beer and non-alcoholic treats.

And if you were hungry, there was plenty to choose from.

I tried two vegetarian meals on offer – because I’m just that dedicated to the job, you know? – which on Thursday was a bubble and squeak potato cake with cauliflower steak, and Katsu mock chicken with pickled cucumber.

And to absolutely nobody’s surprise, least of all mine, both were delicious.

Omnivores also had massive choice, with the menu a mix of both British and Ukrainian cuisine, from chicken with Kyiv garlic butter foam and haluski to honey and mustard glazed sausages with colcannon ptates, crispy leeks and cae au lait jus.

(That’s right, incredibly fancy bangers and mash.)

The last of the menu was made up of grains with green kale, pickled vegetable, maple dressing and toasted seeds, and duck with cannellini bean casserole, cavolo Nero and crispy onion.

Scores of sweet treats were also laid out on tables across the massive room, from chocopops to pastries and sweets, meaning no one would be going hungry on the night.

We rubbed shoulders with some VIP guests, from the Mayor of Wirral to Hollyoaks and Grange Hill creator Sir Philip Redmond – oh, and caught Fleur East enjoying Baileys choctail.

The cocktails were free for guests, and there was a lot of delicious creations to choose from, with flat white martini, chocolate martini, chocolate orange, chocolate mint…

You get the picture, there was a lot of chocolate, and a lot of cream.

After the show, the hospitality area opened again, with crowds piling in for more bevs and a dance after having spent the previous two hours being regaled live with some of the best tracks Eurovision 2023 has to offer.

Jedward were spotted chanting, jumping up and down and taking selfies with fans before their performance at Euroclub in the city, while guests once again took full advantage of the free bar.

There’s not long to go before the Grand Finals take place and the massive event is over for another year – but Liverpool has so far absolutely smashed it.