<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> For the most recent participation see United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 </Td> </Tr> <P> The United Kingdom has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 61 times and is one of the most successful countries to compete in the contest . They first participated in the second contest in 1957 . The UK has entered every year since 1959, and along with Sweden, is one of only two countries with Eurovision victories in four different decades . The United Kingdom is one of the "Big 5", along with France, Germany, Italy and Spain who are automatically allowed to participate in the final as they are the five biggest financial contributors to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The British public broadcaster, the BBC, broadcasts the event each year and organises the national selection for the entry . The UK has won the contest five times . </P> <P> The United Kingdom's five winners are Sandie Shaw with the song "Puppet on a String" (1967), Lulu with "Boom Bang - a-Bang" (1969 tied), Brotherhood of Man with "Save Your Kisses for Me" (1976), Bucks Fizz with "Making Your Mind Up" (1981) and Katrina and the Waves with "Love, Shine a Light" (1997). The UK has also finished as runner - up on a record 15 occasions; with Pearl Carr & Teddy Johnson (1959), Bryan Johnson (1960), The Allisons (1961), Matt Monro (1964), Kathy Kirby (1965), Cliff Richard (1968), Mary Hopkin (1970), The New Seekers (1972), The Shadows (1975), Lynsey de Paul and Mike Moran (1977), Scott Fitzgerald (1988), Live Report (1989), Michael Ball (1992), Sonia (1993) and Imaani (1998). The United Kingdom finished outside the top ten on only three occasions at the contest in the 20th century (1978, 1987 and 1999). </P> <P> In the 21st century, the United Kingdom has only reached the top ten twice, with Jessica Garlick third (2002) and Jade Ewen fifth (2009). Since 2003, the UK have finished outside the top 20 on nine occasions, including Jemini's infamous 2003 "nul points" result, which was the first time that the country had come last in the contest . The UK also finished last in 2008 with Andy Abraham (14 points) and in 2010 with Josh Dubovie (10 points). </P>

When did england last win the eurovision song contest