It’s no secret that we love Eurovision. It’s the epitome of over-the-top entertainment and just an all-round celebration of what it means to perform. This year, our Director Jane even got a chance to choreograph a comedy Eurovision Music Video and we were absolutely thrilled! To the untrained ear, it might seem like the Eurovision Song Contest is just a fun, camp and quirky singing competition but there’s a reason why the annual event has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world.

What started out as an experiment into live broadcasting has become the longest-running televised singing competition because at heart the contest is about connection. Outside of sports, we rarely get to see people from so many different countries in one space, coming together to entertain a global audience. In a time when it can feel like the world is more divided than ever, Eurovision gives artists from all over Europe – and controversially sometimes beyond – a chance to share their talent, culture and performance traditions on an international stage.

One of the most exciting things about the Eurovision Song Contest is the diversity of the contestants. Each year, we see a range of performers, multiple genres of music and a plethora of languages that reflect the richness of experience across Europe. Eurovision is also an important platform for emerging artists. The exposure of performing on the Eurovision stage has helped many past winners and contestants launch successful careers in the music industry.

But the Eurovision Song Contest is not just important for the music industry – it’s important for art in general. The contest is a celebration of creativity, innovation and self-expression. It encourages artists to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds and styles. It challenges them to think outside the box and to create something truly unique and original. And that’s why we love it so much.

Eurovision gives people a chance to come together and celebrate their love of music and art in their own homes. It can help those who aren’t able to travel understand other cultures better and get a sense of what life is like in the wider world. Eurovision is also known for promoting the visibility and inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community. The contest has become a safe and welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and LGBTQ+ performers’ participation in the contest has helped to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues across Europe and beyond.

This year, we’re anticipating more dazzling displays and flamboyant costumes. Lots of extravagant performances and unbelievably high-octane dance routines. We’re ready for mind-blowing pyrotechnics, elaborate staging and production values that set the bar at a higher level. Simply put, Eurovision represents all that’s good in the world. It’s a testament to the immense creativity and talent that goes into producing a world-class event and it’s an inspiring spectacle of joy and frivolity.

It can be bizarre, but for every confusing wall climb there’s a beautiful ballad for balance, and we just can’t wait to see what this year brings.