Istanbul Chronicles

A Fan's Eye View of Eurovision Following James selection to represent the UK at the 2004 Eurovision song Contest everyone on this site wanted to do their bit to support James with this big occasion. Forty members of the site from all over the UK and Europe made plans to go out to Istanbul to show our support, whilst many more staying at home organised Eurovision parties around the country to cheer James on. The Foxettes set off for Istanbul a couple of days or so prior to the big night. The first night in Istanbul was celebrated by some Turkish dancing with the locals. The Foxettes also got in some campaigning and rehearsals of their own for the big night, with renditions of HOTOL in the bar. On the Friday before the contest some of the Foxettes were able to go along to watch the BBC record a pre-eurovision show, and see James perform his song. Some Good Luck Flowers, all red, white and blue, were passed onto James via the BBC. That same evening the Foxettes had been invited to a Eurovision party by the OGAE, who had kindly organised tickets for us all to go to Eurovision, our thanks were passed on in person. The Foxettes spent a very happy night dancing away to Eurovision 'classics' and the foxy word continued to be spread far and wide, with the aid of flyers, business cards and CD's of HOTOL. On the day of the contest, all Foxettes out in Istanbul gathered at lunchtime for a pre-show get together, where the flags, blow-up daffodils, banners and fox puppets were distributed; the excitement was definitely building. We all then headed off for a meal together, via a convoy of yellow taxi. Istanbul couldn't really miss us on this trip, as flags flew out of windows all the way there, generating lots of horn tooting and waving from people as we went. Now for the big night itself, the atmosphere in the arena was amazing! The show itself was great fun, everywhere you looked people were standing, dancing, waving flags and chanting. The Foxettes made themselves heard and seen,even Terry Wogan was treated to a chant, which he acknowledged with a wave. James smile was a mile wide when he walked out onto the stage and heard the roar. His performance on the night was amazing, he had never performed it better and he commanded the stage. James knew hed nailed it and he punched the air as he left the stage, to a huge standing ovation from the crowd For the Foxettes everywhere the results were immaterial, James was never going to win, there was no disco lights, no circus, and no crazy dance routines. It didnt matter, James could have done no more. He did his fans, himself and his nation proud. The Foxettes made sure that every vote was cheered and our presence felt. The PR campaign continued and cards and badges were in huge demand after James performance. After the show was over many of the Foxettes were able to attend the after-show party, and congratulate James personally. James was happy and so were we, the party was buzzing with good vibes about his brillant performance. The Foxettes were in huge demand too, it would seem our 'bouncing daffodils' as they had been renamed had become infamous, and the Foxettes proceeded to be interviewed by reporters and different TV stations around Europe. The whole event was very special for all involved, the Foxettes everywhere did James proud, and likewise James did us proud. Thanks James, youre a star. Love Natalie xxx.

James Fox.biz