Bulgaria’s Dara, this year’s Eurovision champion, was met by thousands of screaming fans as she landed in Sofia this afternoon. The 24-year-old singer, who won the contest with her ballad “Eternal Flame”, waved to the crowd from the steps of the plane before being mobbed by supporters. Her victory marks Bulgaria’s first win in the competition’s history, a moment of national pride that has dominated headlines across the country.
Meanwhile, the UK’s entry, indie band The Dockers, finished in second place, just 12 points behind Dara. The result is still the best for the UK in over a decade, but for many watching at home, it feels like a near miss. The band’s lead singer, Tomás O’Brien, said on social media: “We gave it everything. To come so close hurts, but we’re proud to have represented the UK.”
For the people of Bulgaria, Dara’s win is more than a trophy. It is a symbol of resilience in a country that has faced economic hardship and political turmoil. In the working-class neighbourhood of Mladost, where Dara grew up, residents took to the streets waving flags. “She is one of us. She made it from nothing,” said local shopkeeper Elena Vasileva. “This is for every Bulgarian who works hard and never gives up.”
The cost of staging such a victory is not lost on fans. Bulgaria has spent heavily on the Eurovision campaign, but many argue the investment in culture is vital. “We need to show the world we are more than just cheap labour and corruption,” said university student Dimitar Petrov. “Dara has done that.”
In the UK, the reaction has been more mixed. While The Dockers’ performance was praised, questions remain about the future of British entries. The band’s gritty anthem about factory closures and lost jobs struck a chord with northern audiences but failed to win over enough juries. “It’s a shame. The song spoke to us,” said Mike Crowther, a steelworker from Sheffield. “But maybe Europe just doesn’t get our struggles.”
As Dara prepares for her victory tour, including a homecoming concert in Sofia’s central square, the winner has vowed to use her platform to highlight social issues. “I want to sing for the people who feel invisible,” she told reporters. For UK fans, the wait for a winner goes on. But for one night, the continent was united by music, and that is something worth celebrating.
