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 "We've really missed it since
Tel Aviv so everybody's doubly excited this year
that the contest can actually be held at all in
any form," Baston, who is in his 70s, told
Reuters.
"I listened to the first semi-final the other
evening through my computer with headphones on.
And then I really got the feeling of being there
because the roar of the crowd, it felt like
30,000 instead of 3,500 in the arena."
Eurovision fans stranded in their home countries
due to the COVID-19 pandemic are reaching out to
friends and online communities to celebrate the
event, known for its kitsch pop songs and
flamboyant costumes.
The Netherlands is hosting the 65th edition
after Dutch singer-songwriter Duncan Laurence
won the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv. Last year's
event was cancelled due to the pandemic.
All 39 participating countries and their
delegations are tested before they entering the
venue. Some 3,000 fans can attend through the
Dutch trial scheme for events during the
pandemic. They have to show a negative
coronavirus test.
For the thousands of Eurovision fans abroad,
attendance is near-impossible this year. But
that doesn't mean the party has to stop.
"It's not the same, but we can still feel it,"
Swedish fan Helena Jonsson, 54, said while
dressed in her national colours.
Last year marked the first time the contest,
which draws a television audience of about 200
million, was cancelled since its inception in
1956.
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 Global fans saw their trips
cancelled as borders closed - including
Australian Hayley Bessell. But despite
lockdowns, the show must go on - with some
creative solutions. "I'm
actually flying down to Canberra on Saturday
morning. I've got a very close friend who's a
Eurovision fan as well ... so we're doing Sunday
morning, 5am at her house," Bessell said.
"She's actually Dutch heritage. So we've got a
big Dutch spread of food ready and we're both
dressing up."
Those unable to join friends and family are
welcome in the online community, Eurovision
blogger William Lee Adams said.
"It's almost like Eurovision's become an excuse
to be more social, an excuse to come together,"
said Adams, who also put together a remote
concert to connect remote audiences with acts.
Rotterdam has also reached out by launching the
#SWINGALONG dance challenge, with selected
participants getting their videos projected onto
a skyscraper.
(Reporting by Tara Oakes; Editing by Raissa
Kasolowsky)
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