'Welcome to the Eurovision Song Contest, from Baku in Europe!' greeted star-eyed host Eldar 'Ell' Gasimov, the 2011 contest in a duo with Nigar Jamal.

The flamboyant contest is being held in a fantastic newly erected Crystal Hall, a shimmering glass and steel building on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The atmosphere and festive mood of kitch glitz and glamour, with outlandish hair-does and exquisite dress codes more than match the glittery exterior of the venue.