The Reference Group travelled to Lisbon this week in order to check out the preparations for the forthcoming 2018 Eurovision Song Contest.
The Reference Group, the governing body of the Eurovision Song Contest met up with RTP and City of Lisbon officials in order to check out the ongoing preparations for Eurovision 2018.
The following Reference Group members attended the meeting in Lisbon:
- Dr. Frank-Dieter Freiling (Chairman)
- Mr. Jon Ola Sand (EBU Representative)
- Mr. Nicola Cagliore (RAI) – Elected member
- Mr. Martin Österdahl (Eurovision 2016 Executive Producer)
- Mr. Aleksandar Radic (RTVSLO) – Elected member
- Ms. Emilie Sickinghe (AVROTROS) – Elected member
- Mr. Edoardo Grassi (France 2)
- Mr. Jan Langermand Ludme (DR)
- Representative from the 2018 Eurovision host broadcaster (RTP)
RTP presented its proposals for the Eurovision Village, the venue and press centre. During the meeting the following issues were on the agenda: hotel accommodation, transportation and ticket sales.
Jon Ola Sand (EBU’s ESC Executive Supervisor) said that the Reference Group were extremely satisfied with the progress in Lisbon so far:
The preparations are going very well. I am impressed with the way they [RTP] have moved forward, it is a complicated task and this is the first time that Portugal has taken on this task. They have really made a good impression.
After the Reference Group meeting, RTP held a special press conference at the Oceanario of Lisboa and revealed many details regarding the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest:
- The 2018 Eurovision theme art, logo and slogan
- The 2018 Participants List (42 countries will compete in Lisbon)
- The Venue for the 2018 Eurovision Village
- Eurovision 2018 Ticket Sales will kick off in November
-
The Red Carpet will be known as the Blue Carpet in Lisbon
- The 2018 Euroclub will be located on the seafront
The 2018 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held on 8, 10 and 12 May at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal.
