Copenhagen Named As Host City Of The 2014 Eurovision Song Contest
The former shipyard will undergo all necessary improvements to be able to host three state-of-the-art television shows in May next year.
The choice was approved by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Reference Group, the contest’s governing body on behalf of the participating public broadcasters.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Europe to Copenhagen, which is full of cultural diversity, has an excellent infrastructure and a variety of hotels. At the chosen venue we have the opportunity to realize our creative ambitions. The entire area around the B&W Hallerne will be transformed into Eurovision Island, where delegates, press and fans will come together,” says Pernille Gaardbo, Executive Producer of the 2014 contest at Host Broadcaster DR.
“Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and has what it takes to host an event of this scale,” says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of the EBU. He adds: “The chosen venue is a bold, creative move, and we are confident that the good cooperation between DR and the City of Copenhagen will result in three shows that Europe will remember for a long time.”
Copenhagen has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest twice before, in 1964 and 2001. The Danish capital also hosted the contest’s 50th anniversary, in 2005.
DR gave several cities the opportunity to bid for the right to host the Eurovision Song Contest, and assessed their proposals in detail.
Sand says: “DR has given cities across Denmark a fair shot to host Europe’s biggest music entertainment show. We are right behind DR’s decision to choose Copenhagen as host city, and we’re completely satisfied with the process that led to this outcome.”
In recent years, bids were held to select the host city of the Eurovision Song Contest in the winning country. Strong commitment, a reasonable financial contribution and value in kind from the host city lead to a more financially sustainable organization. Over the past years, figures have shown the substantial economic benefit for host cities, often exceeding EUR 100 million in ad value and EUR 20 million in additional turnover for the local economy.
Information about ticket sales and hotel bookings is expected later this year. A large number of hotel rooms have been block-booked in Copenhagen for delegates, journalists and fans.
Denmark’s Emmelie de Forest won the Eurovision Song Contest in May in Malmφ, Sweden, granting Denmark the right to host the next edition. The list of countries represented in the 2014 contest is usually announced in early January.
Semi-Finals of the 59th Eurovision Song Contest are set to take place on Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 May, the Final is scheduled for Saturday 10 May. Some 170 million people from over 40 countries are expected to tune in for the upcoming contest.
Source: European Broadcasting Union
