Today the host broadcaster ORF has revealed further details regarding the Eurovision Village this year. An extensive Eurovision-related programme will be offered to all fans and citizens of Vienna. As we already know, the location of the Eurovision Village will be Rathausplatz, a large square in front of the town hall in the heart of the city.
Edgar Böhm, the executive producer of this year’s contest, promises big things: “So far all ESC host cities have had a Eurovision Village but I can assure that Vienna will set up the biggest one we’ve seen so far. We want to convey a feeling of Eurovision really being in town”.
There will be a daily programme starting at noon with every day having a special theme. Both Austrian and international Eurovision acts will perform on stage. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the live shows will be shown on a big screen for up to 20,000 spectators. During the live shows the viewers will be able to change the lighting of the Eurovision Village venue via the app Lightify. Spectators will rate the songs from 1 to 12 – if the current entry is very popular the town hall will turn red, if it’s not liked at all it will be lit in blue.
Within the scope of the Eurovision Village, each participating country will also get the chance to present itself in a national pavilion. Those pavilions are supposed to be meeting points for national fan communities as well as an opportunity for the countries to promote themselves to international fans. Besides that, guests will be offered a wide range of culinary treats from Austria.
Here’s an overview of the Eurovision Village programme:
Sunday, May 17
Opening ceremony for all 40 delegations with a red carpet event
Monday, May 18
– International fashion show “Fashion for Europe” with designers and brands from various participating countries
– The cover band The Bad Powells with the support of former Austrian representatives Thomas Forstner and the duo Mess will perform winning entries from the last 60 years
Tuesday, May 19
– ESC quiz in the afternoon
– Austrian national final finalists Zoe and Celina Ann will perform
– Semi final 1 public viewing
Wednesday, May 20
– Tribute to Udo Jürgens
– performances of the Big 5 artists + Australia
Thursday, May 21
– The Austrian representatives The Makemakes will give a little concert including their own songs as well as covers of Eurovision hits
– Semi final 2 public viewing
Friday, May 22
– Conchita-themed day: Conchita-lookalike contest among other activities
– performances of the Israeli dance group Euroflash with choreographies of countless Eurovision hits
Saturday, May 23
– “Female’s Best of Song Contest”: performances by vocal coach Monika Ballwein among others
– Grand final public viewing
– Kati Bellowitsch will announce the Austrian votes live from the Eurovision Village
From Monday to Thursday many of the 2015 entrants will also perform – the exact dates haven’t been announced. Besides the live shows, the BBC documentary “The Secret History of ESC”, the anniversary show “Eurvision’s Greatest Hits” and the ORF documentary “Conchita – Unstoppable” will also be shown on the big screen.
In the afternoons various activities for children (and possibly not-so-grown-up Eurovision fans) will be offered: ESC quizzes, flag challenges, musical chairs and many other games. There will also be a balloon corner and a make-up station where you can get flags painted on your face.
Source: songcontest.orf.at
