Junior Eurovision 2023: Nina Blissett's diary

Junior Eurovision is just days away and as I landed in Nice it didn't take long to spot the signs that the city was ready for the big music event.

Nice, on the south-east coast of France, is the host of the 21st edition of the song contest on Sunday afternoon.

On my way to the venue, the Palais Nikaia, there were trams with huge logos for Junior Eurovision plastered across the windows. And once you step inside the arena you can feel the buzz of excitement from all the countries taking part.

There's a real Junior Eurovision buzz around the city - even the trams are promoting the event

This year 16 countries are involved, with Estonia taking part for the very first time, Germany returning after a year away and the UK are back, represented by girl band Stand Uniqu3.

I'm in the sunny city bringing Newsround all the latest on the competition.

After security checks with our filming equipment, the team and I made it through to the 'bubble', a backstage area where all the young people can hang out together between rehearsals.

The 'bubble' - where all the acts get to hang out - is modelled on a beach this year

The bubble is a hive of activity, with everyone buzzing around. Spending just a few hours in there I've spotted quick last-minute dance rehearsals, Spanish contestant Sandra Valero giving out t-shirts to other children and plenty of games of table football.

The backstage area also brings a bit of the south of France to the bubble, with fake sand on the floor and parasols so you feel like you're on the beach.

It's such a great atmosphere, where the children are making friends with each and being so encouraging. When there's a performer rehearsing, everyone is watching intensely and then cheering loudly in support. Lots even sing along.

I had a chat with Maisie, Hayla and Yazmin ahead of Stand Uniqu3's rehearsal

This week I've been following the competition, especially UK's entry Stand Uniqu3.

Maisie aged 13 along with Yazmin and Hayla, both 12, make up the girl band and they'll be performing their song Back to Life on Sunday afternoon.

I managed to catch up with the group and they're so excited to perform. Yazmin said they're just tweaking a few little bits but they're ready for Sunday.

They're all enjoying the experience too - they've been for a tour of Nice and had a disco with all the other countries, where they've made really good friends with the Netherlands duo Sep and Jasmijn.

I caught up with Lissandro, last year's Junior Eurovision winner

The song contest sees children aged 9 to 14 compete and part of the winning prize is hosting the competition in your home country the following year. That's exactly what happened for Lissandro, who represented France - which is why we are here in Nice now.

I caught up with Lissandro, who told me life has returned to normal after winning. He said straight after the win it was "very special and people recognised me in the streets", but now life is back to how it was before Junior Eurovision.

Lissandro gave his advice for this year's contestants - just enjoy it and "believe in the victory". It sounds like great advice to me!

Are you excited for this year's Junior Eurovision? Which country's song do you like? Let us know in the comments below.