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Once a year, countries across Europe come together for a night of glittery madness known as the Eurovision Song Contest. Running since 1956, the song contest has evolved from a formal affair involving only seven countries into Europe's largest - and campest - election, all while weathering the tumultuous second half of the 20th century.

The early years of the contest laid the foundations for its modern iteration, and were integral to the careers of several stars. In this programme Kirsty Wark reunites Dana, Lulu, Phil Coulter, and Pete Murray, with help from historian Dean Vuletic.

In the 1950s and 60s, Eurovision was populated by native language ballads and besuited diplomats - a far cry from the rock 'n' roll that was dominating the mainstream airwaves. Success at the contest, however, promised the possibility of fame and fortune across the continent.

Phil Coulter wrote the music for Puppet On A String, which became the UK's first winner in 1967, and Lulu built on an established career to win in a controversial four-way tie at the 1969 competition with Boom Bang a Bang. Dana was only 18 when she sang All Kinds of Everything, kicking off Ireland's legendary run of wins at the contest in 1970, and DJ Pete Murray was watching the action from the commentator's box throughout the period. Dean Vuletic provides a rare glimpse into the European Broadcasting Union's archives.

Ahead of this year's competition in Liverpool, our guests discuss the secret formulae of winning Eurovision entries, reflect on how contemporary politics produced voting scandals, and share stories from behind the scenes.

Producer: Rebecca Guthrie
Series Producer: David Prest
A Whistledown production for 91热爆 Radio 4