Denmark 2014: The people want Herning!

by Richard West-Soley 172 views

Danes are in no doubt – they want Eurovision in Herning, according to a report from broadcaster DR.

While the bookies are split between Parken in Copenhagen and the Jyske Bank Boxen venue in Jutland, the majority of Danes express a preference for the latter, says DR. On the station’s Facebook Eurovision site, the call is overwhelmingly for a contest outside the capital in the capable Bank Boxen arena. In a poll for the preferred venue, more than 1800 put their vote behind it. This compares with just 570 for the former state prison in Horsens, coming in second place, and just around 500 for Parken in Copenhagen, making the capital just third preference amongst visitors to DR’s group.

The comments are revealing. One user compels DR to choose Bank Boxen by explaining “Emmelie was from Jutland”. Another worries about the facilities at Parken, suggesting that “you still hear about bad sound experiences at concerts in 2013”. And there is still that lingering criticism from the 2001 contest held at the capital’s big arena, which, for many, lacked a certain sparkle.

Infrastructure and international tourism

However, many admit that for international visitors, Copenhagen still makes a great deal of sense as a city already geared up to major tourism from abroad. NordicBet’s attitude is typical of the bookmakers’ confidence in Copenhagen, with odds of just 1.4 on the capital winning. The bookies, looking at it with hard pragmatism, recognise “the infrastructure to accomodate the many fans and delegations” in the city, according to Frederik Søvang, senior bookmaker.

But Danes won’t fight over the final decision, which should be made be DR by early Autumn. As one Facebook user suggests – wherever it is held, Storebæltsforbindelsen – one of the great bridges linking up Denmark’s regions – should be free to cross during Eurovision week!