Eurovision Song Contest likely to have a (small) live audience

There’s been a rather large question mark hanging over the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam: Will the acts be able to make it to the Netherlands? Will there be a live audience? Will the event be able to go ahead at all?

Well, the latest news from Eurovision organisers has been good news. The Dutch government would like to use the event as another Fieldlab coronavirus-proof trial, like the cabaret show that took place in Utrecht in February, and the music events held in Amsterdam in March. This means that a live audience will be present at all six rehearsals, both semi-finals, and the big event on May 22!

Up to 3.500 spectators present at each Eurovision event

Event organisers had put together a plan for four potential scenarios, ranging from a “lockdown” event that saw acts perform from their home countries to a “normal” event with live performances and a live audience at Ahoy. While the normal option was ruled out in February, organisers decided to keep their options open and were hopeful about the event taking place successfully in May. 

The latest news from the Dutch government means the event will go ahead as either a “one-and-a-half-metre society” event or a “restricted” event, with a maximum of 3.500 spectators present at each of the nine live events. All spectators will have to provide proof of a recent negative coronavirus test before being allowed to enter the event. 

Media Minister Arie Slob has told De Telegraaf that the coronavirus situation in the Netherlands will be reexamined at the end of April to ensure that the event can go ahead with a live audience in a safe and responsible way.

Organisers will look at how to coronavirus-proof the event

Safe to say organisers are pleased by the news: “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,” said Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Organisers have said they will now consider the options available to them and will announce more details about ticket sales and how spectators will be admitted to the shows over the coming weeks. “The health and safety of all those attending the event remains our top priority,” said Österdahl.

Thumb: EBU / KRIS POUW via Eurovision.