Open Up... to make it happen

18 September 2020 at 17:15 CEST

Four scenarios for Eurovision 2021 were announced in Rotterdam EBU / Stijn Smulders

Earlier today, press gathered – from a distance – in Rotterdam, the Host City of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. At Ahoy, the 4 different scenarios for the 2021 Contest were presented by host broadcasters, NPO/NOS/AVROTROS. Later, agreements between the Host City and the Host Broadcaster were signed.

In 2021, the Eurovision Song Contest will take definitively take place. That was the central message of the press conference in Rotterdam.

Four scenarios for Eurovision 2021 were announced in Rotterdam EBU / Stijn Smulders

The 4 scenarios

Scenario A

Scenario A is a Contest like we are used to. Tens of thousands of visitors from the Netherlands and abroad travel to a sold-out Ahoy and a bustling Rotterdam.

Scenario B

Scenario B is a ‘socially-distanced’ Song Contest. This scenario is based on the current guidelines set up by the Dutch government. This means there will be fewer audience members in the arena and adapted activities in the host city.

Scenario C

In Scenario C, there are travel restrictions apply for some, most or all participants. The artists who can’t come to Rotterdam will perform in their own country. The shows come together in Rotterdam. Most side activities are replaced with virtual alternatives.

Scenario D

Scenario D is a Contest in lockdown circumstances. There are no delegations in Rotterdam, all participants perform from their own country and there is no audience in the venue. Most side activities are replaced with virtual activities.

A definitive choice will be made based on the situation in the early months of 2021.

Read more about the 4 scenarios in this story.

Open up… to Rotterdam

A highlight of the event was the signing of the co-operation agreement for the organization of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 by Saïd Kasmi (Alderman of Host City Rotterdam) and Gerard Timmer (Director General of NOS, on behalf of Host Broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS).

Saïd Kasmi (Alderman of Host City Rotterdam) and Gerard Timmer (Director General of NOS) signed the co-operation agreement EBU / Stijn Smulders

Saïd Kasmi explained: “We [the city of Rotterdam] are very happy to be Host City again. Last year we worked incredibly hard to create a huge party for everyone. We will continue to do so in the upcoming year."

"We of course hope for scenario A, that would be fantastic. Even in these difficult times, we will create the best possible event and we want to create hope and perspective for the people of Rotterdam and everyone visiting," Saïd added.

Events at Rotterdam Ahoy

The venue of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 is still hosting events. Soon, the Dutch national final for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live from the venue. Jolanda Jansen is the CEO of Ahoy and is hopeful for the future. "The previous months have shown that uncertainty is sometimes part of life, but we have also learned how flexible we can be. The event industry has shown to be very creative and you can already see new ways to bring entertainment, fun and togetherness to the people."

"After half-a-year of online calling and digital meetings we all have the urge to come together again. With all the technological developments going on right now we are sure that we can set up a unique version of the Eurovision Song Contest this spring!" she added.