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Eurovision song contest 2020

Eurovision song contest 2020 cancelled

Eurovision song contest 2020 cancelled

The song contest was supposed to take place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in May

Yet another much-anticipated international event falls victim to the Coronavirus pandemic. Following the Carnival in Nice (France), Las Fallas Festival (Spain), Eurovision 2020 song contest has been cancelled, too.

The event was supposed to take place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on 12 May (first semi-final), 14 May (second semi-final) and 16 May (final). However, in relation to the measures taken by the Dutch and other governments, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) yesterday decided that the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 cannot take place in this situation.

EBU explained that the importance of the health of artists, employees, fans and visitors is of paramount importance, in relation to the ongoing situation in the Netherlands, Europe and the world.

The three organizing broadcasters (NPO / NOS / AVROTROS) and the municipality of Rotterdam, this year’s host city, expressed their full understanding of the difficult decision.

Postponing Eurovision to 2021

The EBU has consulted both the organizing broadcasters and the host city of Rotterdam about moving the Song Festival to next year. Rotterdam announced its full readiness for such a scenario. 

As a host city, we were already firmly in the starting blocks to make it a great party, reads the municipal website. For the sake of everyone's health, however, this step was rightly made. If it is up to us, we will still achieve our ambitions in 2021 and we can still enjoy a fantastic Eurovision edition together, continues the message.

“Very unfortunate, but this is the only sensible decision. Developments surrounding the coronavirus have gone very fast in recent weeks… Rotterdam is ready to welcome the 65th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest to the city in 2021. Further details will follow at a later time”, commented Councillor Said Kasmi.

The Dutch municipality has estimated the cost for organising the event at EUR 15.5 million. However, they believe that were they to host the event next year, there will be not many additional costs, thanks to the experience they have already gained and the preparatory work done so far.

The date of the 2021 edition has not been confirmed yet. More information about tickets, compensations, etc. is yet to be given.

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