STORY: As thousands pour into Sweden for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, the mood in host city Malmo is less celebratory than in the past.

The usual Eurovision glitz and glam has been dimmed in light of the war in Gaza and conflicting views over Israel's participation in the contest.

The Jewish community of around 1,200 in Malmo is worried it could become a target for large protests planned for May 9, when Israel will take part in the second semi-final.

Israel has issued an advisory warning against travel to Malmo, which has a large Muslim community.

"In the past, I felt like you would see artists on the street more, at events more."

William Lee Adams is the founder and editor of Eurovision fan site Wiwibloggs and the author of "Wild Dances: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision."

"This year, people are a bit more wary of being celebratory out in the world. I'm not seeing as many parties this year. I'm not seeing as many events. We're throwing our own events here, and certainly we're having to take security into consideration."

Police say security will be tighter compared to 2016, when Sweden last hosted the event.

Organizers are preparing for all possibilities - including the risk of protests escalating into violence, heightened terror threats in the country, and increased tensions with Russia after Sweden's NATO membership.

Adams says the contestants he spoke to are happy to be here, though they are juggling how to handle the atmosphere.

"They want to come to the contest and represent their country, but then also they feel that they're being thrust into a political situation because of everything that's happening offstage. So, there's a lot of tension among the artists about how to handle questions and how to carry themselves."

Switzerland's Nemo - who bookmakers say is the favorite to win - is one of nine artists who signed a public letter in March saying they (quote) "did not feel comfortable being silent" over the war in Gaza.

Much focus is expected to be on Israeli contestant Eden Golan and her song "Hurricane."

Israel was only permitted to compete after agreeing to modify the lyrics of its original song, "October Rain."

The European Broadcasting Union - or EBU - said the song made reference to the October 7 Hamas onslaught in Israel, and that Eurovision is a non-political event.

The contest takes place from May 7 to 11.