The news has just broken that 19 participating nations will be taking part in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Minsk, this November. While we knew Wales were making their debut, it has also been announced that Kazakhstan will be joining the party too!

While we kew France were returning, Azerbaijan and Israel are returning to the Contest too. The full list of participating nations are:

1. Albania
2. Armenia
3. Australia
4. Azerbaijan
5. Belarus
6. France
7. Georgia
8. Ireland
9. Israel
10. Italy
11. Kazakhstan
12. Macedonia
13. Malta
14. Poland
15. Portugal
16. Russia
17. Serbia
18. The Netherlands
19. Wales

Jon Ola Sand, the EBU’s Head of Live Events and Executive Supervisor of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, said:

“We are delighted to have a record-breaking 19 countries taking part in the 16th Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Since the contest began in 2003 we have been thrilled to see a wealth of young talented performers take to the stage, some of whom have gone on to represent their countries in the Eurovision Song Contest. We are looking forward to seeing the next generation of young musical talent shine in the 2018 contest at the Minsk Arena in Belarus.”

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: EBU