Adventures in Musicland: Eurovision 2012

Sophie Wilson in an antique shop at the İçəri Şəhər (Old City) of Baku... taking a cavalier attitude to radio production.

Alexander Pushkin in his square, on his street, absorbing the Eurovision excitement.

Opposite Alexander Pushkin and his square was a different memorial. This one's for the late ex-President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev.

Across the road from the memorials was the one security guard in town who agreed to have his photo taken. You can hear this restaurant at the beginning of the programme, blasting Eurovision music into the street.

Local 'London Cab' drivers consulting their Azeri to English pocket guides.

Part of the newly imported London Cab fleet assembled outside Flag Square.

Resident of Johannesburg, South Africa, President of Eurovision's biggest fan club and the Ultimate Eurovision Guide, Roy van der Merwe.

Roy at the beginning of Eurovision week sorting through ID cards for the new global recruits yet to arrive in Baku.

Roy commissioned ex-Afrikaanse Idol star, Willem Botha to cover one of the kitschest songs in Eurovision history, 'Hi Hi Ho (Wolves of the Sea)'. After its release in 2009 it became an anthem for South Africa's national rugby team.

Members of Roy's club from Ukraine, deliberating the very important seating plan.

Sophie met Belinda Konn (left), one of the many Australian members of Roy's club. Belinda works for the Australian government and makes a trip to Eurovision every year for her birthday.

Another fan in the club, Melissa Bayly. She's originally from Australia but currently works for Emirates in Dubai. This was her third trip to the Eurovision Song Contest in a row.

Just the tip of the Swedish songwriter's iceberg: Johan Jämtberg (left) and Mikael Gunnerås (right). They're responsible for 'This is the Night', performed by Kurt Calleja for Malta. Their song went through to the Grand Final, gaining 41 points and 21st place. The CD they're holding is in fact a cover of their song in Afrikaans, which Roy van der Merwe commissioned in advance of the Contest this year.

View from the middle of Baku's boulevard, which stretches from Eurovision's venue, Crystal Hall, to these shoreline oil rigs in the distance.

Eurovision's Press Centre, tucked behind Crystal Hall.

Crystal Hall.

Inside is just as spectacular.

Visual overload at San Marino's rehearsal of 'The Social Network Song', sung by Valentina Monetta at the first Semi Final.

Fans lining the walls at the beginning of the Grand Final, 26 May 2012.

Presenters Leyla, Eldar and Nargiz from the host broadcaster, Azerbaijan's Ictimai TV.

Engelbert Humperdinck opened the Final with a traditional display of British showmanship ala Guy Fawkes. He with his song, 'Love Will Set You Free' came second to last.

Russia's Buranovskiye Babushki (aka The Grannies) with 'Party For Everybody' and a selection of freshly baked Russian treats. They came second place with 259 points from European voters.

Lighting suitable for this chamber choir of elderly Russian women.

Eurovision darlings from Ireland, Jedward singing 'Waterline'. That explains the water sculpture, then.

Greta Salóme & Jónsi in their watery ballad, 'Never Forget'. In the programme you can hear an interview with their boss, Jonatan Gartner from Iceland's national broadcaster, RÚV.

Ukraine's Gaitana with the Eurotrance anthem for 2012, 'Be My Guest'.

First place with 372 points from the televoters of Europe went to Sweden's 'Euphoria', performed by Loreen. This victory ordains Sweden as host for Eurovision 2013.

The final curtain call of confetti.