Eurovision bosses fear the contest will be targeted by terrorists while its airing live.
This year’s venue Liverpool Arena will be operating airport-style security for all fans during Saturday's (May 13)grand final.
Security teams are also working with reps at Counter Terrorism Policing and Merseyside Police to foil potential attacks.
READ MORE: BBC makes major blunder as they confuse Eurovision fan for Finland entrant Käärijä
Specialist security expert Will Geddes said: "Eurovision is a huge international event that is going to be broadcast around the world. That increases exponentially the type of threat that could impact it. There are risks.
"The one thing we know about terrorists is they’re always looking for publicity. They want to have as much international recognition as possible."
Bosses have spent months creating a "ring of steel" around the arena ahead of the final.
Eurovision was hit by a stage invasion during UK act Surie’s performance in Lisbon in 2018. And three people were jailed in Azerbaijan in connection with an alleged terrorist plot to target the 2012 contest.
UK entry Mae Muller has been working around the clock to fine-tune her performance of I Wrote A Song, even hiring a space in Liverpool for extra rehearsals.
“I’ve been going over and over the performance,” she said. "I want to be prepared. I’ve sung the song hundreds of times and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
"It means I will be able to enjoy it on the night.“I haven’t had any injuries so far… touch wood. I’m in one piece. I’m hoping it stays that way.
“I always have honey, lemon and ginger tea before a performance. It calms me and gets my vocal cords ready to go. And then I like to have five minutes of zen before I go on stage."
Mae will be one of 26 acts competing at the final in front of more than 160million viewers.
She admitted to Daily Star: "There are nerves. It would be strange if there weren’t. But more than anything, I’m just excited."
The Eurovision Song Contest grand final is live on Saturday, May 13 from 8pm on BBC One
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here
READ MORE:
Eurovision babe whose 'beauty isn't legal' has vocals slammed despite US record deal
Eurovision Song Contest 2023 announces comedy icon as UK spokesperson
Eurovision Grand Final's first batch of acts confirmed as Ireland don't qualify
Source: Read Full Article