The moment we have all been waiting for has come. The 65th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest has opened its doors. The first delegations have already arrived in Rotterdam and there are more to come to join this unique music event.

Under all the corona circumstances the entire ESC looks a bit different. Only 500 journalists will be live in the press centre, the other 1000 will join online, so as we do. There is a corona test centre, where everybody needs to get tested on a regular basis. Everybody has to war a mouth- and nose mask all the time. It’s also very important to keep the distance to each other, which seems to be a bit tricky as in a photograph session a lot of photographer gather together to get the best picture. This year the security staff is even stricter than in previous years and everybody has to follow their advices.

Another difficulty for the press, who is working remotely is that no photos can be shown from own cameras and impressions, only the official photos can be taken.

But there is an online press centre with many features, where the press can follow the rehearsals, events and the press conferences. There is a chat room and video meetings can be arranged. Furthermore there is an online Euroclub via Zoom.

It’s all a bit different this year, but it’s great to see that under these special conditions an event like the ESC can happen.

Today the first rehearsals have started already: Lithuania, Slovenia, Russia, Sweden, Australia, North Macedonia and Ireland.

Author: Bernd LemmermannEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Public relations, Editor, Journalist

About me:
As one of the founders of eurovisionlive.com I am responsible for the interviews with the singers and the editorial content. My passion for the Eurovision Song Contest exists since my early childhood. The exotic music, different cultures and languages have given a lot of inspiration to me. Since my very first ESC in Dublin 1994 I particularly appreciate the get together and friendship of all the nationalities and Riverdance was a thrill!