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Eurovision Insight Podcast: Let’s All Go To UMK! Written by on March 9, 2026

What’s it like to go to a National Final? Join Gina Jones and Charlie Eastabrook as they take a trip to UMK to experience the show, meet the stars, and talk with the Song Contest community.

UMK 2026 (photo: Gina Jones)

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The National Final season for 2026 has come to an end. While a few internal selections have yet to be announced, and remixed ‘Eurovision Edits’ will be heading to social media, the packed weekends of selection shows across the continent are no more. While some thoughts turn to Vienna in May, other thoughts turn to ‘which National Finals do I want to go to, get tickets and experience on the ground in 2027?’

Gina Jones and Charlie Eastabrook took one of the trips this year to Finland for UMK 2026 at the Nokia Arena in Tampere. Along the way, they chat with Pete & Linda, Erika Vikman, ESC Insight’s Ben Robertson, Euroviisutsomeksi’s Vilho, and JJ.

This is what happened.

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About The Author: Ewan Spence

British Academy (BAFTA) nominated broadcaster and writer Ewan Spence is the voice behind The Unofficial Eurovision Song Contest Podcast and one of the driving forces behind ESC Insight. Having had an online presence since 1994, he is a noted commentator around the intersection of the media, internet, technology, mobility and how it affects us all. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, his work has appeared on the BBC, The Stage, STV, and The Times. You can follow Ewan on Twitter (@ewan) and Facebook (facebook.com/ewanspence).

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