#OnThisDay: The First Ever Eurovision Song Contest

By escppeurovision on May 24, 2018 • ( Leave a comment )

Here at Eurovision Ireland, we look at what happened at the Eurovision Song Contest and Family of Events #OnThisDay. Today is 24th May 2018 and we look at the first ever Eurovision Song Contest.

24th May – 62 Years Ago Today

On this day in 1956, the 1st Eurovision Song Contest took place in the Teatro Kursaal, Lugano. Lys Assia took part for Switzerland, becoming their first entry to to win for her country. As the voting remained secret during the first contest, we don’t know who came second.

https://youtu.be/IyqIPvOkiRk

Video: YouTube/Ismail Uzunoglu

24th May – 15 Years Ago Today

On this day in 2003, the 48th Eurovision Song Contest took place in the Skonto Hall, Riga. Sertab Erener took part for Turkey, becoming their first entry to date, to win for her country. Sertab Erener finished with a 2 point margin over her nearest competitor, Urban Trad from Belgium.

Video: YouTube/lithuanian14

24th May – 10 Years Ago Today

On this day in 2008, the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest took place in the Belgrade Arena, Belgrade. Dima Bilan took part for Russia, becoming their first entry to date, to win for his country. Dima Bilan finished with a 42 point margin over his nearest competitor, Ani Lorak from the Ukraine.