Ask anyone about Eurovision and they'll talk about how it's all politics - but what does it actually mean to say that Eurovision is political? Academic Paul Jordan takes a look at just how our favourite Song Contest is used to promote cultural messages, politics and national identity.

Time for this week’s poll question. Many people, including my children, are eagerly awaiting the Junior Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday 20th, but it’s not to every fans taste, with many of them skipping it simply because of the ‘kid’ nature of the show... glossing over Sandra Kim’s victory. Will you be watching?

The BBC’s track record in song selection and national finals has not been stellar in the last decade. Rather than rely momentum and dusting down last year’s plan, something radical needs to be done to guarantee the UK doesn’t embarrass themselves around Europe.

This weekend’s ConSong 2010, held in Edinburgh, like many Eurovision parties, is a great look at what makes Eurovision so much fun to follow all the year round... not just during two weeks in May.

As Halloween approaches, it’s time to uncover the horrible relics of Eurovisions past that have been subject to cruel and unusual musical experimentations. Or mash-ups as the new generation would call them.