Couldn't Escape If We Wanted To: Helsinki-ist

Helsinki has gone Eurovision bonkers over the past week, in advance of tonight's semi-final.

Helsinki's Esplanadi park has become a European Market for the duration of Eurovision. Participating countries are displaying their culture, tourism and food. Helsinki's best karaoke club has been holding a massive Eurovision karaoke championship!

The main square, Senate Square, hosts special shows tonight and Saturday, where fans can watch both shows on big screens. The Finnish votes will be broadcast from there live on Saturday night.

Tomorrow will see a huge Eurovision street party from 4pm to 10pm in central Helsinki.

The Atheneum Art Museum is staging choral singing of Eurovision tunes, as well as special events at Helsinki's University of the Arts and the Helsinki Design Museum. The main attraction is Reddress, a giant dress-like tent in which 2040 people can attend performances.

Helsinki's public transport system has extra trams and buses to all areas involved in Eurovision. Those with Eurovision passes can travel free in Helsinki.

Amazing! The Eurovision semi-final is broadcast tonight on BBC3 at 8pm, with commentary from Paddy O'Connell and Sara Cawood. The grand finale of Eurovision is, as ever, on Saturday night at 8pm.