The BBC has confirmed that it will not be broadcasting the 50th Anniversary extravaganza from Copenhagen on 22nd October 2005, on any of its channels. Problems with budgeting the show, as one of the Big Four, (and being a publicly funded broadcaster) plus some doubts about the programme's viability led to the decision.
The decision was made when the BBC withdrew its offer to make the show in the Autumn. Originally the BBC had proposed a programme that would have been held in the Royal Albert Hall in London. Now Danish broadcaster DR will stage an event to mark the 50th Anniversary of the contest in Copenhagen, which will include in its format a vote to find the all time favourite Eurovision song.
Earlier this year it was announced that twenty eight broadcasters had so far signed up to broadcast the show.
Those celebrations in May will not include any screening of the preview videos of this year's entrants. In the past couple of years clips of the songs have featured in special Eurovision programmes on BBC3 (previously BBC Choice) in the week leading up to the contest. It was felt that the entries can be widely seen on the internet. The Eurovision Song Contest semifinal will be broadcast on BBC3 on 19th May, as required under the EBU rules. BBC1 will be screening the Eurovision Song Contest final on 21st May, and will have a fully interactive service. Following the broadcast of the final, there will be a special programme, live on BBC3 from Kyiv entitled Eurovision…A Little Bit More. Other programmes with a Eurovision theme are to be confirmed.
Meanwhile this year's United Kingdom entrant Javine, can be see on Top Of The Pops this Friday 22nd April, with her song Touch my fire. It will be broadcast on BBC2 at 19.30 BST, as there will be General Election coverage on BBC1. A clip of her video can be found on her official website.
The United Kingdom partcipates in the Eurovision Song Contest final, as one of the Big Four on 21st May in Kyiv.
More information expected in the upcoming days.
