THE NETHERLANDS – Eurovision Song Contest will be held on May 12, 14 and 16 in Rotterdam at AHOY ARENA. Since the announcement of the host city several news about the contest has been published, as you can read here. Today we provide you more highlights of recent developments so you can clarify them and understand them.
It is announced that the idea for the red caret session on May 10th will be based on recycled materials and the carpet will be gold.
Sietse Bakker revealed his phone call to the Maastricht Mayor, the city of whom los the bid due to the venue ceiling problems.
Mayor Annemarie Penn-te Strake made a short statement after the announcement:
“I congratulate Rotterdam. They really deserve it. But for us it’s an absolute disappointment. We have worked hard. We have shown that we can do this and that we have great things to offer.”
Here’s a bit of what he said to Maastricht’s bid team: “I’m going to really disappoint you. We have unfortunately not chosen Maastricht. I would like to explain why. You have showed the best of what Maastricht and the province of Limburg has to offer. Unbelievable, professional and committed. And in our eyes, also very welcoming and hospitable. You have put so much energy in this, we have seen that. We acknowledge that. And therefore we find it important that we substantiate our decision.”
The mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb issued a video for his city hosting bid victory and among other things he clarified that he wants to lower the prices of the event.
“What wonderful news for Rotterdam today. In 2020, Rotterdam will host in Ahoy the biggest song contest — the Eurovision Song Contest. Big gratitude to the broadcasters and for the trust we’ve received from the organisation. Also thanks to City Councillor Kasmi, the team of Rotterdam Partners and Ahoy for working so hard the past weeks on lobbying and showing that Rotterdam can do this. Rotterdam, people of Rotterdam, people from The Netherlands, we’ll organise this grand festival together next year. And they will show themselves in the best possible way to the world. And now, there is no time to lose, City Councillor and team, roll up your sleeves and let’s keep moving to be ready in time for 2020″.”
The police force of Rotterdam will get help from across the country, since the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 has been given the official status of “National Event”.
NPO Head of Board Shula Rijxman stated last Friday evening that she will ask the government for between 15 and 20 million euros. Appearing on the talkshow Jinek — alongside Sietse Bakker and Mayor Aboutaleb — Shula said:
“We are going to ask the government for a contribution. The public broadcaster has cut costs a lot. There is again a budget cut on its way to us. This is a great event that can put The Netherlands economically and culturally on the map. It’s really a festival for and from The Netherlands. And therefore we will also ask the government for funding. It’s only now possible to make the budget overview, so we still need to look into it, but it will be an amount in between 15 and 20 million.”
The City of Rotterdam is aiming to hold the Eurovision 2020 Host Insignia Handover Ceremony and the Semi-final Allocation Draw at the Rotterdam City Hall next January, as well as the Heads of Delegation Dinner in March.
The organisers completely deny there is any discussion about the host(s) of Eurovision 2020, Belgian press is that the main host will be Jan Smit.
