Eurovison fever is all set to hit the magnificent Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv. NTU, the Ukrainian national broadcaster has revealed the outcome of its latest meeting with the EBU, City of Stockholm, Kyiv City State Administration and shed more light on its plans for the forthcoming 2017 Eurovision Song Contest events.

We get to know the potential plans for the 2017 Eurovision Red Carpet, Euroclub, Opening Ceremony and Eurovision Village, so let’s check out what will be in store for those of us who will fly to Kyiv come May.

Both NTU and the City of Kyiv are all set to organize an extraordinary and magnificent Eurovision Song Contest, welcoming delegations from around 40-odd countries next May.

Officials from the EBU and the City of Stockholm travelled to Kyiv last week in order to meet up with NTU and the Kyiv City Administration representatives, in order to discuss the plans for the upcoming Eurovision in Kyiv. The Stockholm City officials shared their experience and expertise with their Ukrainian counterparts and gave their feedback about the last Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm.

Ms. Nadja Burkhardt from the EBU says:

Over the past decade the Eurovision Song Contest has become massive event. The competition has become a huge festival, which lasts for two weeks involving a large number of people, delegations, fans, press etc.

As all of you who go to Eurovision know, the Eurovision Song Contest is not the only event that takes place in the host city, there are many other side events and activities that are held alongside; the Euroclub, Eurovision Villlage, The Red Carpet and the Official Opening Ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Let’s check out what Kyiv will be having in store for us regarding the above mentioned events.

The Red carpet

The Red Carpet Ceremony is planned to be held at the St. Sophia area, from here the artists will be ushered to magnificent location of the Opening Ceremony, the St. Sophia Cathedral Complex.

The Red Carpet is a key part of the of the official opening ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest, bringing together delegations from all the participating countries in the competition and giving them chance to meet the accredited press. The event is attended by a massive number of journalists and Eurovision fans.

The Opening Ceremony

The 2017 Eurovision Official Opening Ceremony is planned to be held  on the Sunday before the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest, ie. on 7 May (potential date) at the Saint Sophia Cathedral Complex.

The venue is an internationally acclaimed landmark in Kyiv and is included in the list of World Heritage Sites. The St. Sophia Cathedral Complex is a magnificent museum showcasing Ukrainian art, history and heritage. Large screens are planned to be erected in the area for fans to follow the Opening Ceremony.

During the Official Opening Ceremony the competing artists and delegations are welcomed by the host city’s top officials and dignitaries. Hereafter the delegations are taken to the Euroclub for the Opening Party.

The Euroclub

Where are we gonna party to Eurovision tunes and dance away until the early hours of the morning?

The planned venue of the 2017 Euroclub is the CEK Parkovy exhibition center. CEK Parkovy is the ideal venue to house the Euroclub as it meets all  requirements is and has enough capacity to host a large number of guests.

The Euroclub is one of the official Eurovision locations along with the Eurovision Village, Red Carpet venue and Opening Ceremony venue, apart from the IEC which will play host to the 2017 ESC.

The Euroclub usually opens its doors on the first day of rehearsals and runs for the 2 Eurovision weeks. The Euroclub is the official hotspot where delegations, artists, accredited fans and journalists can mix, mingle and unwind after a hard day’s work. Delegation parties, meet and greets with the media, After Parties etc. are held at the Euroclub during Eurovision.

The Eurovision Village

The location of the 2017 Eurovision Village in Kyiv is yet to be determined and a final decision on the venue is expected by February.

The Eurovision Village is usually located in the heart of the host city enticing  locals, tourists and Eurovision fans to come and join the party. It is free for everyone to attend, no accreditation is required.

The Eurovision Village has an action packed programme during the Eurovision period: performances from competing artists, the Eurovision shows are aired live on large screens, competitions, cultural and musical performances, DJ’s, music and disco nights, theme parties etc. Stalls, shops, restaurants and food stalls can be found at the Eurovision Village.

The City of Kyiv is also planning many other side events in the city which will accompany the Eurovision shows and main side events. Kyiv is working round the clock in order to showcase and host an extraordinary Eurovision Song Contest next Spring.

The 2017 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held on 9, 11 and 13 May at the IEC in Kyiv, Ukraine.