Under the theme Let's get loud, broadcasters VRT (Flanders) and RTBF (French-speaking community) organise the 2005 Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Hasselt, on 26th November. Today, more details have been presented during a press conference.
Look and feel
To emphasise the Junior Eurovision Song Contest is not only a kids' programme, but a show for the entire family, the organisers avoided the 'kiddy look' of previous editions. “No pink and light blue, but red, black and white”, the organisers announced. In all aspects of the show, LED-lights will come back. “LED-lights can be found in all sorts of devices children are using… game consoles, computers, mobile phones”. The stage will be build up from LED-lights as well and has a catwalk to the centre of the Ethias Arena, where the kids room is situated. About 200 people are 'part' of the stage, as their seats are integrated with the stage.
Opening and interval acts
The third Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be opened by Cirkus Cirkör, a circus group founded in 1995 in Stockholm. The concept of the opening act is a creation of director Dirk Decloedt, one of the creative brains behing Céline Dion's Las Vegas show A new day.
Maria Isabel, who won the previous edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, will take care of the interval act. The organisers also promise a special guest, who's name has not yet been revealed.
Slightly changed voting
Although 16 countries participate, 17 countries will give 1-8, 10 and 12 points, as Cyprus withdrew at last moment. The Cypriot viewers can vote however. A change compared to previous years is the announcement of the points; the 1, 2, 3,4 and 5 points will appear on the screen right away, while the spokespersons will give the 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 points. This makes the voting procedure a bit shorter.
Social programme
To keep everyone busy, a social programme has been prepared for the 16 delegations. The delegations will be joined by their so-called friendship classes, school classes from Hasselt.
