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People throughout the UK have spent the day commemorating and celebrating the 26th anniversary of Victory in Eurovision Day.
Twenty-six years ago yesterday, the American pop group Katrina and the Waves, on behalf of United Kingdom, won the Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Love Shine a Light.’
Although celebrations were already underway for this year’s event, people still joined in with gusto.
The early morning saw households across the country hang special Eurovision bunting made up of Katrina and the Waves and Terry Wogan flags.
At 3 pm, the BBC replayed the moment that Katrina and the Waves won the competition, and at 6pm, there was a mass doorstep singalong of ‘Walking on Sunshine’ because no one could remember the words to ‘Love Shine a Light,’ and during days of mass national nostalgia, historical accuracy isn’t always the paramount concern.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak then gave a speech offering his thanks to Katrina and Waves and brought the day to a close.
Simon Williams is a forty-five-year-old veteran of Victory in Eurovision Day.
“Oh, goodness, it was wonderful to see, it really was. Of course, I remember the day Britain actually won, and I’ve never experienced anything like it.
“The whole country was overwhelmed with joy that the days of not winning Eurovision were finally behind us.
“Now, to see everyone come together in these difficult times to mark that wonderful day is fantastic. Beautiful. Very nice.”
Katrina herself declared that she was very moved by the event.
“The RAF flyby was a little over-the-top, but I can’t deny I was touched by the gesture.”
The Waves have yet to comment.
