Ukrainian national broadcaster, NTU, has shortlisted the names of the creative agencies still bidding to design the theme concept for the Eurovision Song Contest 2017.

Opening submissions last month, NTU began their search for the competition theme for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, looking for designers from around the country to come up with an appealing concept with an essence of Ukrainian culture and heritage.

From the submitted entries, a total of 5 agencies along with their concepts have been shortlisted; ADVENTA Lowe, Banda, BBDO Ukraine, Republique and TWIGA Idea.

Despite being given such a short length of time to produce an initial concept, the NTU Supervisory Board members were pleasantly surprised with the quality of the creative designs submitted, all of which will now be improved and finalised before a decision is made.

An official concept, including a theme, slogan and logo, are expected to be announced in due course.

Preparations are currently underway in Kyiv for the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest, with the City of Kyiv holding a special press conference yesterday to give a brief on the latest updates, including expected tourist numbers as well as scheduled plans for the contest.

The 2017 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place on the 9, 11 and 13 May at the International Exhibition Centre in the host city of Kyiv.