Any visitors heading to Liverpool for the Eurovision Song Contest still looking for accommodation may be heartened to hear that hotel rooms in the region are available.

When the city was confirmed as the venue for the event last year, it appeared that all available rooms were snapped up almost immediately, but recently the indications are that accommodation is still out there. According to one hospitality group, it appears people may have been forced to cancel rooms due to a planned rail strike on May 13.

The event is being held in Liverpool because last year’s winners, Ukraine, are unable to stage this year’s extravaganza, with the UK as runners-up happy to step in. According to the BBC, there is availability on hotel booking sites for around £200 per night at a number of hotels; the competition will run from Tuesday (May 9) to Saturday (May 13) with two semi-finals ahead of the grand final on Saturday.

While the RMT union denied Eurovision had any bearing on its decision to call action for May 13, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, said: “It's a great shame that a rail strike is being held during the event, which can force people to change or cancel plans.

“I would encourage fans to continue looking for availability if they're planning to stay in Liverpool. It's great to see that so many fans will be in Liverpool for the big event and will be staying in the city.”