The last few days have given fans a glimpse of the shape of things to come, as further details of the 2014 contest begin to trickle through.

In a maybe unsurprising move, but welcomed by many, renowned scenographer Claus Zier will be the man behind the set design for Copenhagen. Having worked previously on sets for the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix as well as big Danish TV shows like X Factor, it is the culmination of a dream for him. He admits that “for several days I was pinching my arm”, continuing that he is “super proud” to have bagged the job.

And what a job it is; to transform what, he confesses, is a “rusty industrial hall”, into a “visually impressive show” to showcase Denmark to the world. Zier stresses that the building’s past will be its focus and strength: “we will build on the hall’s history and physical frame”, he explains, whilst reminding us of its “magical” splendour. One clue is in Zier’s hints to how the building’s height will feature in abstracting a performance space that is different for each country. “We have a great height, which we must exploit, and we must create magic in this space”.

Eurovision island – down to the stage

Further hints revealed over recent days include the suggestion that the performers may sing on an island of a stage in the B&W Hallerne, according to show chief Jan Lagermand. The vision, which reflects the larger geographical reality of Refshaleøen in a stage concept, plays into the #JoinUs slogan of the 2014 contest and its wider themes of inclusivity. And that inclusivity will extend to an army of volunteers, which Lagermand explains will be necessary to pull off a successful Eurovision Song Contest event. He paints a picture of a Eurovision village buzzing with restaurants, bars and entertainment, one which everyone can be a part of and enjoy.

For now, as the DR team deliberates the finer details from the stage concept to the physical environment (an idea dismissed early on by Lagermand was to paint the building pink!), fans can only imagine what the end result will be. In any case, there is a real buzz coming from Copenhagen, promising to have an “edge” and be “full of life“, just as promised by the Head of Show.