Or... how we celebrated the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest

Here you can see Jason Southam proffering an ABBA Russian doll (Russian...spooky) to fellow partygoer Catherine Flower during the sweepstake at the beginning of Saturday's Euro-adventure.

Tragically for Cath, Russia wasn't among the five nations she plucked from the innards of the Super Swedes (I'm ashamed to say, I got my mitts on that), but come with us now as we guide you through our evening of Eurovisioniness. Bet you can't wait.

Ah well.

Firstly, Boom Bang a Blog wants to send its commiserations to Andy Abraham.

The only thing wrong with the UK entry last night - which came across really well on screen - was that it was stuck at the wrong end of the draw.

If Even If had been performed towards the end of the show, there's no doubt in our minds that Andy wouldn't have been equal last (however, the way the Eurovision placing system works, there are no shared placings, and with only two countries voting for him, we may have finished absolute bottom again. Yah boo).

But let's get on to the winners.

He's been a busy, busy boy this past week, but before Chris Knight settles into his seat at the Beogradska Arena for tonight's Eurovision Song Contest, he has one more file to report. A quirkier Eurovision personality - and someone with a North West connection - stopped by for a chat, but we won't spoil the surprise.

Wherever you watch tonight's show, hope you enjoy it. I've just been cutting up the official BBc scorecard to make out sweepstake, Glyn is preparing punch - and wait until you see the photos of his trifle.

We'll be back later on - or tomorrow morning - with the results and the reaction from the Aigburth panel.

As these words are being writ, bloggers from across Europe are placed in strategic points about the Beogradska Arena reporting on the chances of the final 25 as they undertake their first dress rehearsal as a complete 'Contest'.

Unlike the Olympic 100m, World Cup, Crufts, Miss World and Britain's Got Talent, this is one event where even the hardiest experts struggle to predict the winner year on year.

In fact, Eurovision fans get so immersed in listening to the entries over and over in the months leading up to the big show, they're really quite rubbish at picking what the vast majority of viewers - listening to the songs once and once only - will plump for.

Andy Abraham will be smiling a bit after this evening's draw.

Here is the running order for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008. And just look who's following the UK...

December 23, 2005, Southport Theatre.

I was granted a three minute interview with Chico in his dressing room moments before he went out on stage to entertain a very enthusiastic crowd in the aftermath of his X-Factor success.

I asked him if the rumours he was trying to represent the UK in the 2006 Contest were true.

His reply, although I must point out, he wasn't rude about it: "Don't be silly. I'm into PROgression. Not REgression."

Erm. Did you notice who gegged in on the Andy Abraham interview in the middle of the Beogradska Arena during the BBC Three coverage tonight?

Just an observation.

Not long to go now until the second semi final. What has Chris Knight been up to today?

This is Boom Bang a Blog's prediction for the 10 nations making it through tonight's qualifier for Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest final.

A fair few bookies' faves crop up in this little lot - so we're expecting at least one shock Saturday non-starter once all 10 envelopes are open.

Iceland
Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine
Croatia
Bulgaria
Denmark
Georgia
Hungary
Portugal

Swapped Belarus and Malta for Denmark and Georgia at the last moment. Might just regret that in two-and-a-half hours.

With hours to go until the remaining semi finalists assemble in Belgrade to battle for a place in Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest final, why not have a listen to our second blogcast.

John Siddle, a man who know a thing or two about lyric and tune - but not necessarily very much about Eurovision - picks his Top Five nations for progress to the final shake-up on May 24.

Do you agree with him?