Eurovision 2016: Stockholm 12 points! A magical experience!

by Sanjay (Sergio) Jiandani 419 views

The City of Stockholm is satisfied with the organization and outcome of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. Stockholm worked round the clock in order to showcase an extraordinary event and has made the Eurovision experience an unforgettable one for both Stockholmers and visitors.

Delegations, artists, journalists, fans  and visitors got the chance to experience true Swedish hospitality and live Eurovision in many ways when they landed in the Swedish capital during the first 2 weeks of May.

Stockholm has  worked round the clock since ever since it was delegated the grand task to host the 61st Eurovision Song Contest. A lot of hard work and effort has been put in the organization of the event, with every minute detail taken into account. A truly magical experience!

The City of Stockholm organized the 61st Annual Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of SVT. The almost two-week long engagement period involved Stockholmers and visitors who enjoyed the festivities: Eurovision Village in Kungsträdgården has had no less than 1.5 million visits.

Mr. Jesper Ackinger, Executive Project Manager of the Eurovison Song Contest in Stockholm comments:

A lot of people worked hard to realize the vision of a magical event in Stockholm. We’re overwhelmed by the positive response we’ve had to our period as host from Eurovision fans, musicians, journalists, volunteers, Stockholmers and tourists alike.

In July 2015 it became clear that SVT had selected Stockholm as host city. A project organization was quickly created and in ten months, one of the world’s biggest events was planned and has now been carried out. It required collaboration beyond the norm and a great deal of dedication.

Eurovision in Stockholm in numbers:

  • 1.5 million visits to Eurovision Village
  • 12,000 people were accredited to work on the event (including press, fans and volunteers)
  • 6,000 water bottles were distributed to volunteers, journalists and others
  • 2,500 baked goods were offered by the City of Stockholm for Swedish Fika on May 8
  • 2,500 fans bought tickets for exclusive entry to EuroClub
  • 2,000 journalists from 73 countries in the press center
  • 475 volunteers contributed
  • 65 tons: the weight of the stage construction in the Globe Arena, the equivalent of 52 medium-sized cars
  • 50 information officers assisted journalists in the press center
  • 42 competing countries’ flags were raised in front of the Royal Palace in a flag ceremony
  • 8.5-meter high Countdown Clock in Norrmalmstorg
  • 6 musical crossways
  • 5 singing tunnels
  • 1 new winner.

FACTS

The City of Stockholm organized the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of SVT and EBU. The city was responsible for:

  • arena production – all four arenas in the Globe area were used (SGA is supplier)
  • related events including Eurovision Village in Kungsträdgården, EuroClub and Euro Fan Café on Skeppsbron, Eurovision in Your Neighborhood in five locations throughout Stockholm, inauguration ceremonies such as the flag ceremony and a party at Stockholm City Hall
  • accommodation and transport logistics for all participating countries and journalists
  • safety and security for all parts of the Eurovision Song Contest
  • hosting – 475 volunteers
  • press center for around 2,000 journalists
  • City Dressing – the city was adorned with this year’s Eurovision symbol, the magical flower
  • Traffic logistics and extra cleaning.

For more information on Stockholm you can visit visitstockholm.com

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