Entertainment
Eurovision allowed to have audience of 3,500 in Rotterdam – as long as they test negative for Covid-19
The Dutch government will allow an audience of 3,500 to attend the Eurovision Song Contest.
The world’s biggest live televised music event will be taking place this May after it was cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Eurovision Broadcasting Union (EBU) presented four scenarios of how the contest could proceed in 2021, from a full Eurovision attended by fans and press, to a totally remote event.
While it was previously decided that the EBU would do everything to ensure that all 39 acts would perform in Rotterdam, it has now been announced that 3,500 audience members will be permitted to attend the six rehearsals, two semi-finals and the grand final, on the basis that they test negative for Covid-19.
The news was reported by NOS, who explained that Eurovision was being used as a ‘field lab’ to investigate how larger events can take place safely and responsibly with an audience.
A maximum of 3,500 spectators with negative Covid tests can be present at any time in the Ahoy Arena, which has a capacity for nearly 16,500 people.
The outgoing Minister for Media, Arie Slob, told De Telegraaf that this plan will be reexamined at the end of April, and if there is an increase in Covid-19 cases, there is a possibility no audience will be permitted.
The newspaper also reported that only Dutch fans will be allowed attend, due to ongoing travel restrictions.
Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: ‘We welcome this decision by the Dutch government and the possibility that we can invite fans to join us as we bring the Eurovision Song Contest back in May.
‘We will consider the options now available and announce more details in the coming weeks on how we can safely admit audiences to the Ahoy venue in Rotterdam should the situation allow. The health and safety of all those attending the event remains our top priority.’
The EBU added: ‘As previously announced, all delegations, artists and production crew will be following a strict protocol and would not come in contact with potential members of the audience under any circumstances.’
Eurovision’s semi-finals kick off on May 18, with the grand final set to air on Saturday, May 22.
The current favourites to take the crown are Malta, with 18-year-old Destiny being tipped by the bookies to win with her song Je Me Casse.
James Newman will represent the UK with his song Embers.
The Eurovision final takes place on May 22.
