I was on easyJet’s Eurovision flight and it was gloriously unhinged

Metro got a seat on the second-ever Eurovision fan flight (Picture: easyJet)

Walking through Gatwick Airport this week, travellers were treated to an unusual sight: crowds of people draped in sequins and sparkles, many wearing variations of the Union Jack.

Scattered on the terminal floor were the remnants of orange feather boas, evidence of the celebrations that were about to kick off.

For the second year running, easyJet laid on a Eurovision super-fan flight, ferrying a plane of 75 devotees to Basel, Switzerland, to the 2025 contest, which kicks off with the first semi-final on Tuesday night.

The flight featured a best-dressed runway and a talent show at 35,000 feet, hosted by Drag Race UK winner Ginger Johnson.

And Metro nabbed one of the coveted tickets.

For many people averse to all things Eurovision, it’s the stuff of nightmares. But at the departure gate, the enthusiasm is unparalleled, and our reporter Pierra Willix admits — the vibe is contagious.

The Eurovision ‘happiness drug’

Before I’ve made it past security, I spot three friends who, in silver pants and platform boots, stand out from the usual Monday afternoon crowd.

Kevin, Leigh, and Daniel from West Sussex have attended Eurovision together for the past 10 years.

‘It’s like a happiness drug,’ Kevin says.

‘You can only do well if you have the support of your competitors, so it does bring people together. It’s full of positivity.’

Although they dread to think how much they’ve spent on Eurovision jaunts over the years, they all agree it’s been worth it, every time.

Kevin, Leigh, and Daniel have been Eurovision regulars for a decade (Picture: Pierra Willix)

Near duty-free, I find Kevin from Aberdeen, a Eurovision mega-fan attending his 26th contest.

He says he has spent well over £50,000 for the privilege.

Togged out in a Union Jack waistcoat, bowtie and top hat, Kevin has memories of watching Cliff Richard come second place in 1968 with his iconic song, Congratulations.

‘I’ve always been obsessed with the Eurovision, always wanted to go, but for years it was so hard to get tickets. Then, in 1994, I got tickets for the shows in Dublin, where the world premiere of Riverdance took place,’ he says.

Kevin, from Aberdeen, has been to Eurovision 26 times (Picture: Pierra Willix)

While almost every fan now attends in eccentric ensembles, back then, Kevin recalls the audience turning up in dinner suits.

Over the years, Kevin has met Eurovision stars including Irish twins Jedward, UK commentator Graham Norton, and Bonnie Tyler, who represented the UK in 2013.

Underdogs

Just four days ago, he secured a golden ticket to the final. He says he’s most looking forward to surprises in the voting.

This year, bookies have tipped Sweden, Austria, Spain, France, and Malta, but he adds: ‘I always try and guess, but I’ve only ever picked the winner twice.’

While Kevin would love to see the UK land its first win since 1997, he’s actually hoping somewhere unusual wins.

‘I’m running out of places to go, so hopefully somewhere like Albania could win it this year,’ he laughs.

Mo and Jason are attending Eurovision abroad for the first time (Picture: Pierra Willix)

Also onboard are young Eurovision fans making the pilgrimage for the first time – two are dressed as last year’s winner Nemo and Estonia’s 2025 entry, Tommy Cash.

Mo and Jason, Irish fans living in London, said the community aspect of Eurovision has drawn them in.

‘We weren’t initially planning on going to Basel and don’t even have tickets to any of the shows, but we just want to be in the city,’ Mo says.

Singalong in the sky

Once onboard, Drag Race UK’s Ginger Johnson gets the group ramped up by running down the aisle, high-fiving any raised hands.

Over the next 90 minute,s there’s a pop quiz, a runway down the aisle to crown the best dressed passenger and performances from super fans, who get the plane shrieking to I Will Survive, Mamma Mia, and It’s Raining Men.

With flags and paddles emblazoned with ‘deux points’ waving throughout the cabin, the flight erupts as Elaine, from Ireland, is crowned the winner for her Riverdance tribute.

As we descend, Ginger tells Metro: ‘I’ve performed in just about every kind of place imaginable, but doing a gig at 35,000 feet is a new one for me.’

Ginger Johnson led the group in an uproarious sing-along (Picture: easyJet)

It sounds trite, but looking around the cabin, everyone seems genuinely thrilled.

The cabin crew, many lovers of Eurovision themselves, get involved in the festivities, with a surprise appearance by Airline star Jane Boulton.

Arriving in Basel, the group is fizzing with excitement. It’s the first time I’ve ever clapped for a landing.

As we landed in Basel, us passengers couldn’t help but feel sad that the journey was over. But after the most unique flight I’ve ever been on, I knew the fun was only just beginning.

The Eurovision Song Contest takes place from Tuesday May 13 to Saturday May 17. Pierra Willix was a guest of easyJet.

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