LEP 2025 — A Dream Come True

Image Credit — https://pix.eurovisionworld.com/pix/london-eurovision-party-2025.jpg

Last year, I bought tickets for LEP and attended the 2024 pre-party as a spectator. I enjoyed wandering between stalls, chatting with fellow Eurovision fans and savouring the relaxed atmosphere without any responsibilities. This year, however, I signed up as a volunteer, which gave me a behind-the-scenes perspective I hadn’t anticipated. From checking in performers to guiding guests and coordinating with stagehands, I was swept into a whirlwind of activity — and I loved every minute of it.

Although I appreciated the downtime I had last year, I discovered that keeping busy at LEP suited me far better. My days as a volunteer were filled with purposeful tasks that played to my strengths, and I felt engaged from start to finish. The artists and fellow volunteers were unfailingly kind and understanding, offering guidance whenever I had questions. Their warmth and patience helped me settle into my role quickly and demonstrated how much an event of this scale depends on collaboration.

Volunteering also revealed the hidden complexities of event management. Rather than hunting for someone to blame, everyone — from lighting engineers to security staff — joined forces to resolve problems. I gained a newfound respect for the meticulous planning involved: intricate planning, contingency protocols, and databases tracking where each artist needed to be. It was clear that delivering a smooth experience for both performers and audience hinges on countless unseen efforts.

Beyond the logistical lessons, LEP reminded me why live events matter so much to Eurovision fans, especially in the UK’s rural areas, where gatherings of this kind are rare. For me, LEP is more than a party — it’s a way to connect with enthusiasts from across Britain and beyond. I met fans who had travelled from across the UK and Europe, and we bonded over shared favourites and spirited debates about our favourite entries. Those conversations, punctuated by laughter and mutual excitement, reinforced why communal celebrations of international music remain so vital.

In an increasingly divided world, Eurovision draws people together, even if only for one night. Sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers, we applaud diverse musical styles, celebrate cultural exchange and cheer on emerging artists. Through my volunteer role, I witnessed how live performances can break down barriers, spark conversations and introduce attendees to sounds they might never have discovered otherwise.

The Eurovision community itself is wonderfully diverse. A significant proportion of fans identify as LGBTQ+, and participants hail from a wide range of cultural backgrounds — not solely European nations. This inclusivity is reflected in the fandom’s eclectic tastes, which span pop, folk, electronic and experimental genres. At LEP, I encountered new musical delights from acts like Sissal and GO-JO, who have now earned a permanent place on my playlist. Uncovering emerging artists remains one of my favourite aspects of Eurovision culture, especially when they fall outside my usual listening habits.

One of the highlights of volunteering was forging friendships both old and new. I was able to deepen connections I first made in 2024 and to make dozens of new friends among volunteers, artists and attendees. To reinforce that sense of community, I brought handmade friendship bracelets, which I distributed during quieter moments. Seeing people exchange them with genuine smiles became one of my favourite memories — proof that small gestures can have a big impact.

Yet, LEP also highlighted a pressing issue: accessibility. Although many venues offer basic adaptations such as ramps and accessibility tickets, it became clear that audience members and volunteers with disabilities still face significant barriers. Future organisers should consult disability advocates from the planning stages to ensure events are fully inclusive, from ticketing and facilities to seating.

Comparing 2024 to 2025, both years shared many familiar elements — nostalgic signage, beloved traditions and the same infectious enthusiasm — but this year felt larger and more dynamic. As a volunteer, I saw the dedication and countless hours behind every seamless transition, and it deepened my appreciation for everyone who brings LEP to life. Volunteering transformed my experience: I not only learned about event management but also became an active part of the Eurovision community I love. I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity to contribute, learn and celebrate alongside fellow fans.