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'Eurovision entry puts Ramsgate on the map'

Phil Harrison,
Lili Sheppard,in Tonbridgeand
Hsin-Yi Lo,South East
PA Media A man in a pink shirt playing a keyboard. On either side of him are two people, dressed in a green jumpsuit and a television prop over their heads.PA Media
Sam Battle, known as Look Mum No Computer, is a solo artist, songwriter and YouTuber

As the Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals get under way, Kent residents have been sharing their thoughts on whether the UK could win.

This year's entry, Eins, Zwei, Drei, is performed by Ramsgate's Sam Battle, known online as Look Mum No Computer.

The 37-year-old YouTuber is bidding to become the first UK entry to win since 1997, when Katrina and the Waves took home the title.

Five British acts have won the competition previously - the first being Sandie Shaw with her performance, "Puppet on a String", in 1967.

Geoff Pine, owner of Red Arrows Music Club in Ramsgate, told the BBC he was "pleased" to have a local musician competing in the contest.

"Because this puts Ramsgate, as well as Thanet, on the map," he said.

"Thanet is famous for its music scene, so it doesn't come as a surprise that Battle is from our area."

Pine said he was supporting Battle to bring the glory home.

"It's been a while since we won a Eurovision," he said. "Even if he doesn't end up winning, being part of the competition is a big opportunity for him."

Lili Sheppard/BBC A woman with a pink cap, grey cardigan and white shirt and pale blue dress. She is standing next to a blonde woman with a rusty-coloured coat and holding a cup of coffee. They are standing on a high street.Lili Sheppard/BBC
Lydia and Rebecca said the UK's Eurovision entry, "Eins, Zwei, Drei", "sounded great"

Lydia, from Tunbridge Wells, said although Battle went for a different approach compared to previous UK entries, the UK still had "no chance of winning" even though she thought the song sounded great.

Rebecca, also from Tunbridge Wells, said: "I think it's unlikely we'll win. If he's going to perform like that in costume, it will definitely be a good one to watch though."

Lili Sheppard/BBC A man in a grey jumper and a woman in a black puffer jacket. They are standing at a High Street.Lili Sheppard/BBC
Michelle and Chris said they believed this year's entry had a good chance of winning

Michelle, from Tonbridge, said she believed the UK had a "good chance" in 2026 compared to previous years.

"It's definitely different to our usual entry," she added. "It's not too 'poppy' which I really like, and I enjoy the chorus."

"You can sort of hear where he's getting his inspiration from and you can hear those different styles."

Michelle's husband, Chris, said: "With the use of European language in the song as well it might appeal to the other country's judges."

The first and second semi-finals are due to take place on Tuesday and Thursday respectively.

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