We can bring you further details of the plans for the “Eurovision-Island” in Copenhagen that will be hosting Eurovision 2014 according to Danish Press. “Less Glamour, Sea Sickness, “HIGH” start for the presenters, See us crying, Eurovision Postcards and the Presneters” –  All in for a shake up!

First of all let’s look at the “B&W Hallerne at Refshaleøen” – that is the site for Eurovision 2014. Be warned this property is what an estate agent would market as “In Need Of Modernisation” – you are not joking!

B&W Hallerne – That will host Eurovision 2014. Picture courtesy of DR

Yes this is where the global capital of sequins, glitter and wind machines for 2014 will be taking place. Hard to picture it right now. It will certainly take more that a lick of paint to get this ready. But DR have a plan – I should sincerely hope so – as us Eurovision fans have high standards!

SO WHAT HAS DR GOT IN STORE FOR EUROVISION 2014?

• “Less Glamour and More Emotions”

According to B.DK – Eurovision 2014 will be “Less Glamour and More Emotions”. Really? I think we all like the glamour – especially in these tough economic and political times I was hoping May 2014 was going to dazzle the pants off me. I usually escape my emotions at Eurovision – until it comes to the envelopes in the Semi Finals and the Voting in the Grand Final. However the glamour of the 2 weeks is always “Fabulous” as Sharon Osbourne would say every 2 seconds on the X-Factor “Yawn”.

• Seasickness

“We have chosen to present the show in the B & W halls because we want to create a framework for the Eurovision Song Contest, which has never been seen before,” says DR primarily responsible for the overall arrangement, Pernille Gaardbo. One can certainly say that this will be the case.  B&W halls are located on the peninsula Refshaleøen, in the middle of Copenhagen harbor.

B & W halls located on the peninsula Refshaleøen – middle of Copenhagen harbor. Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia

“It is surrounded by water, like the rest of Denmark is surrounded by water, and it seems we are actually in a super charming spot for the show. We have many creative ideas that we would like to express in the halls, “says Pernille Gaardbo who expects that the B&W halls and Refshaleøen can help give the show both edge, character and charm.

The old 60 feet tall B & W-halls will be lit from the outside, so they can be seen from several places in the city in the evening. The front of the hall will be converted into a fun park with rides, activities, entertainment and food stalls. Just what you want after you have just had to take a ferry ride to the “Eurovision Island”. Harbour Buses will operate shuttles from Nyhavn. We suggest that you eat after you have arrived at your final destination. You don’t want to spoil the flag artwork on your face or the great costumes that you have spent weeks on creating. Make sure they are all water proof! Is there a helicopter option? Anyone?

• Hosts are in for a “High” start to the show

Jan Lagermand Lundme –  responsible for the three TV shows (two semi-finals and finals) has a vision for the show ,”It will open with a camera that slides across the illuminated B&W halls with the Copenhagen’s skyline in the background. Then the cameras will zoom in on the yet unknown hosts, standing on top of the 60 meter high hall! Is there danger money and insurance for the presenters?

B&W Hallen – The Host Venue for Eurovision 2014. Photograph courtesy of DR

“They shout besides Copenhagen – “Welcome Europe”. Then the cameras will go into the hall where thousands of happy Europeans are ready to party, “says Jan Lagermand Lundme. This is hoped to “renew the great song show by bringing viewers and audience even closer together.”

• DR want to see is all crying, in pain and………oh smiling too

“I have been involved in Eurovision over the last five or six years, and I must admit that I have wondered about what one does not see – how people cry with excitement, have a stomach-ache, are happy and have all sorts of other forms of emotion backstage. In essence the feelings you do not see on the show. We want to change that. It will become a part of our whole story, as we get closer to the people who stand on and around the stage, “says Jan Lagermand Lundme. I am not sure I want to see this heart ache again – ok maybe just once more

• Postcards for the countries will be new – lust like last year !?!

Unlike the traditional “Eurovision Postcards”, in 2014 we will get to see a portrait of the artists. Well if I am not mistaken but that is what we saw this year in Malmo. I am getting slightly confused but I am taking a leap of faith here with DR and expect that we will get a full bio on the artist – complete with Miss World Vital statistics! I will reserve judgement as it is very early days.

• Presenters “Speaking in Tongues” 

2001 saw Eurovision Presenters Soren Pilmark and Natasja Crone present the entire show in rhyming verse – Thankfully we will not see this being repeated. BBC commentator Terry Wogan gave the hosts the nicknames Doctor Death and the Tooth Fairy. A little harsh as we thought that him and Ulrika presenting the contest reminded us of a “Fairy tale Classic” too. What was it again………Oh yes “Beauty and the Beast”. Jury still out on who played what role! Denmark have had very accomplished presenters at their National Finals for the past few years – so expect fierce competition to rival that of “America’s Next Top Model” to see who gets the Eurovision 2014 job!
http://youtu.be/mMh2pffICOg
So there you have some further details on what to expect at Eurovision 2014. It feels like Baku all over again – will they have the arena ready in time? Make sure to follow Eurovision Ireland’s “Eurovision ISLAND” regular spot on the site. Now would Alyona Lanskaya lend Copenhagen her “Solayoh” glitter ball – as they may need some serious bling and pronto!

Author/Website co-founder and Editor in Chief Garrett Mulhall

Source – b.dk/kultur and Eurovision Ireland