The Eurovision Song Contest provides Europeans with plenty of entertainment when it takes place annually. It might not be best known for its singing ability, though.
Whilst many nations from around Europe – and including Australia – look to try and win the most points from their respective competing nations to try and win the overall competition, it could be argued that many use the time on the stage to create a performance that steals the show and leaves viewers having memories of it for the as long as they live.
Of course, the competition has become a huge hit over the years, as it has continued to be competed on for over a decade, whilst a whole betting market has opened up with many bettors taking advantage when betting on the Eurovision finalist become available.
Here are just some of the most memorable and iconic moments from previous competitions, whilst we also take a look at what can be expected from the 2021 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest when it takes place in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Verka Serduchka
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The name Verka Serduchka might not ring any bells, but when you see a visual of the Ukrainian representative, memories from the 2007 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will come flooding back.
Cladded in silver tin foil, Ukraine’s drag queen provided the world with a song that had a repetitive chorus and a dance equal to it, with two dancers pulling out all the moves! Many will remember the silver outfit and the star she had on her head, whilst others may remember it came second that year.
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ABBA
In 1974, ABBA provided the Eurovision Song Contest with their song ‘Waterloo’, which today remains an iconic moment in the history of the signing competition. The Swedish band, who famously consisted of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, would go on to achieve a huge amount of success around the world with their songs, releasing hit after hit.
However, their ‘Waterloo’ track would see them be catapulted into the music scene, as they would go on to win the 1974 edition of the competition.
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Loreen
Sweden would go on to have another Eurovision Song Contest winner in 2012, when Loreen would go on to produce an incredible performance for her track called ‘Euphoria’. Like her fellow natives ABBA, she would go on to achieve huge success following the competition as the song would go on to chart in a number of European music lists, including a top 3 in the UK.
Lordi
It might have been 15 years ago, but many who watched the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 will have some recollection about the act that won that edition. If you do not, let us remind you.
Lordi performed their rock hit ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’ and would go on to win the Athens-based contest as they had scored 292 points, which was a record for the time, before going on to achieve global success.
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The performance stole the show that year, though, as they had the frequent use of pyrotechnics and flames blaring in the background, whilst they donned monster costumes to add to the overall display.
Conchita Wurst
Austria’s 2014 entry was Conchita Wurst, who was memorable as the ‘Bearded Lady’. Wurst, who was also known by the name Thomas Neuwirth, was a drag queen who sang ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’ and managed to provide his nation with the Eurovision Song Contest title that year, as her performance was considered to be a little over-the-top but not too over-the-top for the overall occasion.
Who is competing this year?
There are a total of 41 countries to participate in the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in an edition that is going to be one not to be missed. There will be two semi-finals in which 35 nations will take part in, with 10 acts from each one going on to compete in the final alongside the ‘Big 5’ that consist of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, as well as hosts, The Netherlands.
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Those that do consider betting on the competition will find that Malta is considered the overwhelming favourite for this year’s crown, with Destiny Chukunyere representing them. She has history in big singing contests, as she won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 representing the country, whilst she also reached the semi-final stage of Britain’s Got Talent in 2017. Despite having already achieved so much, she is still only 18 years old.
Other countries thought to be in the running of winning the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest include Barbara Pravi (France), Switzerland’s Gjon Tears and Italy’s Måneskin.
Business
Manchester instituion Salvi’s announces closure of original city centre restaurant
Danny Jones
One of Manchester’s oldest and most loved Italian restaurants, Salvi’s, has sadly announced that they are closing their original restaurant after more than a decade and a half.
Having served authentic recipes from Naples and been at the forefront of the cuisine in this city for well over 15 years, it can be hard to remember a time before Salvi’s.
With that in mind, we’re gutted to hear that their OG location over in the Corn Exchange is now shutting its doors imminently.
But fret not: it’s not all doom and gloom, as they promise this isn’t the last you’ll see of them.
Often considered the first true Manc-Neapolitan eatery, which turned from a small counter and deli into, at one point, a big and beloved group of local independent restaurants with multiple locations, most people know the name and the sign, and plenty have patronised them since day one.
Sharing an emotional message in the caption of the post above, founder Maurizio Cecco and his wife Claire said: “For sixteen years, Salvi’s has been part of Manchester’s story. We’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve built together.
“As the city changes, independent businesses have to change too. Today will be our last day of trading at Corn Exchange. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey all these years.
“This isn’t the end of our story; it’s the beginning of a new chapter – stay tuned. Grazie Mille.”
Unsurprisingly, the reaction to the news has been bittersweet, with people obviously saddened to hear of this latest closure but also looking back fondly on its past.
One person wrote in the comments: “I remember launching this amazing place all those years ago and have continued to watch you thrive!! Best of luck for the future!” Another added: “Will miss Salvi’s great food, great staff, not forgetting the Italian festival. All the best, Maurizio and family in your new adventure
As mentioned, it’s also worth noting that Maurizio and Claire are also behind the equally famous Festa Italiana, which draws crowds of tens of thousands across a full weekend every single year.
Having been regulars and firm fans of both their first family-owned flagship site and the aforementioned festival for many years, we’re equally gutted to see it go.
But as they made clear, this is not a definite ending for the brand, and it’s safe to say we’ll be eagerly awaiting whatever comes next.
Thanks for the memories and all the incredible food and drink you’ve served us – we hope we hear from you again sometime very soon.
Locals left stunned and excited by ‘unrecognisable’ plans for returning Stockport pub
Danny Jones
Stockport locals have been left “stunned” and “buzzing” after seeing the plans for the soon-to-be reborn Golden Hind pub in Offerton.
We’ve seen plenty of refurbs over the past couple of years, but this one really does look unrecognisable – both their words and ours.
The Golden Hind, a former Hungry Horse and then Greene King pub, sadly closed in November of 2023 after more than half a century of serving Stopordian punters under the previous operators, with nearby residents rallying together to save the “community hub“.
While the initial efforts weren’t enough to prevent the no-nonsense boozer from closing, another Manc brewery is set to bring it back, having now revealed their vision for a major overhaul. The video below cycles through an overview of the plans:
Safe to say it’ll be quite the transformation should everything go ahead as expected.
Some residents have already noted similarities to the Puss in Boots on Nangreave Road in Heaviley, one of multiple Almond Family Pubs locations in the borough, but they’re hoping that restoring a food menu in line with their ‘traditional’ vision will help it rival the native group’s offerings.
Although ‘The Hind’ already had a popular SK beer garden, most notably, the updated ideas for the venue included a brand-new outdoor terrace, with planters, hanging baskets and other green elements, along with a brand-new glass porch and extra covered areas around the building.
The public house last saw renovations back in 2017, but these were mainly cosmetic (new chairs and tables, as well as a fresh lick of paint, etc.); this time, it’s getting a full relandscaping and more.
You can take another look at the proposed blueprints in full detail right HERE.
Further reinforcing what a loss it was to the area, plenty have not only expressed their excitement about the Golden Hind, but already asked whether dining will return as mentioned, not to mention enquiring about jobs both in a potential kitchen, behind the bar, as part of prospective cleaning staff and more.
As always with hospitality closures, it isn’t just food and drink that people lose out on; it’s jobs, steady incomes, and for many, an important social outlet.
That’s why so many people signed the previous petition to keep the much-loved watering hole alive, and while it may be under new ownership, they’ll be just glad to see it being revived.
Speaking on the project, Joseph Holt’s CEO Richard Kershaw said: “Joseph Holt is a brewery committed to putting pubs back into the heart of local communities.
It is at the core of our ethos, since we know they play such an important role not just as places to enjoy a drink, but as welcoming spaces to meet others, take part in social groups, and enjoy live events. All of which will be happening once again once we complete our redevelopment of the Golden Hind.
“That’s why we are investing over £1 million in a comprehensive and carefully considered redevelopment, creating a pub in the truest traditional sense — complete with open fireplaces, generous outdoor spaces, and comfortable, characterful furnishings.”
The Manc -
17th May 2021 
