The Lord Mayor of Düsseldorf Dirk Elbers welcomed the 43 participating delegations at the Welcome Reception last night held at the Düsseldorf Tonhalle. Jan Ola Sand, the executive Eurovision Song Contest supervisor joined the mayor in welcoming everyone to the 2011 Eurovision Song Contests. Delegates, artists and dignitaries got the chance to mix and mingle. A special concert was held where an orchestra treated everyone to a concert much to everyone's delight.

The 43 delegations arrived along with their entourage and crossed the specially erected red carpet, where the accredited media got a chance to film and photograph them. Once inside the Tonhalle the guests were able to savour some of the most exquisite German delicacies. During the cocktail the artists and delegations were able to mix and mingle among themselves. A special cake was made for the occasion in the shape of a heart, the Eurovision logo.

Once all the delegations arrived in the Tonhalle, they were invited to attend a special concert by the Philarmonic Orchestra, followed by the welcome speech by the Lord Mayor of Düsseldorf and the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest. Later many opted to groove to the sounds of a live band and danced way into the night. The guests were pampered to the best of German hospitality.

Many of the artists were wore designer gear outfits and were looking extraordinary, classy and elegant. Nigar from Azerbaijan was looking outstanding in her beautiful dress, whilst Alex Sparrow from Russia looked elegant in a black suit.

The city of Düsseldorf is more than proud and honoured to host the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest and has worked earnestly, thus making all the guests feel welcome and comfortable.