Dutch media outlets Algemeen Dagblad and RTL Nieuws have reported that the date of next year’s Eurovision will be announced tomorrow (15th June).
Aswell as the dates, the EBU have already announced that the contest will be held at The Ahoy arena in Rotterdam.
The outlets speculate that the contest will happen in either the second or third week of May next year. This means that the Semi Finals and Grand Final should take place on either 11th,13th and 15th or 18th,20th and 22nd May.
On 16th May this year The Ahoy arena made a statement on their website saying:
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and its Dutch Members NPO, NOS and AVROTROS are excited to have reached an agreement to stage the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam at the Ahoy Arena. The Dutch city was due to host the Contest this month before the event was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic….
…Following the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, the EBU, NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam entered constructive discussions on the possibilities of staging the 65th edition of the world’s largest live music event in Rotterdam.
Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s new Executive Supervisor, said:
“We are extremely happy that we can now move forward. It’s vitally important that the Eurovision Song Contest returns next year, and we’re pleased to have the necessary commitment from our Members in the Netherlands to bring this much-loved show back to audiences across the world.”
“I firmly believe that all of us involved in the Eurovision Song Contest will stand united through challenges and change to bring the Contest back stronger than ever, ensuring its longevity for decades to come.”
NPO Chairman Shula Rijxman said:
“Now more than ever it is important that we, as a public broadcaster, are committed to continuing this European tradition and are organizing a great event that people can look forward to during these difficult times. We will do everything in our power to arrange a very special Contest.”
Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event, added:
“Our team is proud and excited to look forward with renewed energy to organize a fantastic Eurovision Song Contest in 2021. Yes, with a sense of realism that fits with the times we live in, but also with ambition and creativity. We are looking forward to working with the entire Eurovision family to make it happen.”
No official statements have been made by either the EBU or the Dutch broadcasters at the time of writing. We will of course let you know of any updates.
Will you be attending next year’s Eurovision? Let us know in the comments section below!
