PEOPLE came together at the Studio Cinema in Coleford on Saturday night (May 11) to watch local hero Olly Alexander perform in the Eurovision Song Contest.

And while the former St John’s Academy and Monmouth Comprehensive School pupil didn’t do as well as was hoped, the town was still extremely proud of his achievements.

The ‘watch party’ at the cinema was organised by Coleford Town Council with entry free of charge to local people.

Party-goers were greeted by a life-size cut-out of the Years and Years star and LGBT rights activist.

The exterior of the cinema in High Street was decorated with Euro and LGBT bunting and inside Eurovision fans were able to enjoy proceedings from the Swedish city of Malmo on the big screen with surround sound.

There was also a ‘pre-parties’ at the nearby Art of Coffee cafe and bar and other local businesses.

Many people dressed up in Union Jack and other national costumes to get into the spirit of the evening.

Mayor of Coleford Cllr Nick Penny said: “We’re incredibly proud in Coleford of everything that Olly has achieved.

“The watch party at Studio Cinema has been organised by Coleford Town Council to celebrate Olly singing on an international stage and to give something back to the community.”

Among the Eurovision fans who were soaking up the atmosphere on Saturday night was Leanne Hale.

She said: “What Olly has done is amazing and we are here to support him.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see someone from Coleford competing in Eurovision and to watch it on the cinema.”

The town got behind Olly with the Forest Deli even naming a cheeseboard after him and his former school in the town showing its support.

Olly performed his song Dizzy in Malmo on a set dubbed a “post-apocolyptic locker room hurtling through space.”

The competition was won by Swiss entry Nemo while Olly finished 18th out of 25.