British hopeful kicks off Eurovision week in style!

As Eurovision fever sweeps across Tel Aviv, the parties, press conferences and rehearsals are in full swing – and Britain’s Ambassador helped kick of a week of celebration in style!

UK envoy to Israel, David Quarrey, and his partner, Aldo, hosted a glittering event on Monday night at their residence in Ramat Gan, where hundreds of guests, fans, journalists and Eurovision aficionados partied the night away.

Past UK Eurovision tracks and local drag act, Werk, helped warm up the crowd before the UK songfest hopeful, Michael Rice gave an exclusive performance of this years entry, ‘Bigger Than Us’.

Before he went on stage he reflected on his initial impression of Israel since arriving.

“This is my first time in Israel. Everyone has been so nice. I really didn’t know what to expect. You hear so much about it on the news so I wasn’t quite sure but the reception has been absolutely amazing. The Israeli people are so friendly and welcoming.”

Michael’s rendition of ‘Bigger than Us’ was pitch perfect and he’ll be hoping to improve on the UK’s recent form at the song contests, with this ballad in the grand final on Saturday night.

Eurovision is all about acceptance, inclusion and celebrating differences and David was quick to welcome his guests in person and up on stage.

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He told Jewish News: “It’s pretty impressive how Israel has embraced Eurovision. I’m about to leave my posting as British Ambassador here and I’m so pleased our last party is celebrating Eurovision being in Israel.”

It’s a great way to foster relations between different countries and cultures. I know other embassies in Israel are doing parties but this one is the biggest.”

He added: “I think Michael could be a dark horse this year and the UK will do very well.”