Here at Eurovision Ireland, we are taking a historical look back on our favourite Contests past and present, on the very day they took place. Today it’s April 3rd:

Saturday 3rd April 1976

On this day in 1976, the 21st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest took place in The Hague, the Netherlands. Austria & Greece returned, while Malta, Sweden & Turkey all withdrew from the Contest. The United Kingdom took victory with Brotherhood of Man performing “Save Your Kisses for Me” and 164 points.

Saturday 3rd April 1971

On this day in 1971, the 16th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest took place in Dublin, Ireland. Malta debuted, while Austria returned to the Contest. Finland, Norway, Portugal & Sweden all withdrew. Monaco took victory with Séverine performing “Un banc, un arbre, une rue” and 128 points.

Let us know what you think about our #OnThisDay series – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK, BLUESKY, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK pages.

The Eurovision Community, which Eurovision Ireland are a part of, celebrates diversity through music. Please keep your comments respectful. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming or any other derogatory or hostile language.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovision Ireland & YouTube/EBU/ESC:56-73