Eurovision 2021 just got a little bit closer. The EBU has confirmed the dates for Eurovision 2021. The grand final is set for Saturday 22 May 2021, with the semi-finals on Tuesday 18 and Thursday 20 May. As previously confirmed, the event will take place at Rotterdam’s Ahoy arena.

And with the dates for 2021 confirmed, work can begin on the show. The impact of Covid-19 means there are still many unknowns regarding the 2021 production, but the production team is considering all possibilities.

Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event, explained, “We now have a year to explore all scenarios in detail with the parties involved and to make the shows happen regardless of the circumstances, with adjustments if necessary. We still aim high!”

He also confirms that the stage design from Eurovision 2020 will finally be realised in 2021. “The stage will be carried over to next year, because that was already prepared. Apart from that, a lot depends on what is possible at that time, on the availability of all those involved and on what fits the spirit of 2021.”

This suggests that all other things planned for the 2020 show — including hosts and interval acts — could be different for 2021.

Eurovision 2021 show dates

Dates for the nine ticketed Eurovision 2021 shows have been confirmed:

  • First semi-final jury rehearsal: Monday evening, 17 May 2021
  • First semi-final family rehearsal: Tuesday afternoon, 18 May 2021
  • First semi-final live show: Tuesday evening, 18 May 2021
  • Second semi-final jury rehearsal: Wednesday evening, 19 May 2021
  • Second semi-final family rehearsal: Thursday afternoon, 20 May 2021
  • Second semi-final live show: Thursday evening, 20 May 2021
  • Grand final jury rehearsal: Friday evening, 21 May 2021
  • Grand final family rehearsal: Saturday afternoon, 22 May 2021
  • Grand final live show: Saturday evening, 22 May 2021

Eurovision 2021 ticket refunds

Now that the dates for 2021 have been locked in, organisers are offering another window of opportunity for ticket refunds. Ticketholders who bought their tickets for the 2020 show may now apply for a refund if the 2021 show dates no longer suit.

The refund round is open now and will close on 29 June 2020 at 23.59 (CEST). See the official Eurovision FAQ for more information on the refund process.

Eurovision 2021 – Uncertainties

As with so many aspects of life at the moment, there remain many uncertainties surrounding next year’s contest.

The EBU earlier admitted that:

“Developments surrounding COVID-19 will clearly affect planning in the coming year for a complicated global broadcast with many international stakeholders. In this ever-changing and challenging environment, the EBU will, therefore, work with its Dutch Members and the City of Rotterdam to ensure the continuity of the event in a number of different scenarios.”

Shula Rijxman — the NPO Chairperson — said:

“Now more than ever it is important that we, as a public broadcaster, are committed to continuing this European tradition and are organizing a great event that people can look forward to during these difficult times. We will do everything in our power to arrange a very special Contest.”

Sietse Bakker — the event’s Executive Producer — added:

“Our team is proud and excited to look forward with renewed energy to organize a fantastic Eurovision Song Contest in 2021. Yes, with a sense of realism that fits with the times we live in, but also with ambition and creativity. We are looking forward to working with the entire Eurovision family to make it happen.”

What do you think? Are you happy with the dates for Eurovision 2021? Do you plan on attending or will you watch from home? Tell us your thoughts below!

Follow all of our Eurovision 2021 news.

50 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
trackback

[…] in June, the EBU confirmed that the stage design for Eurovision 2020 would still be used for the 2021 show. However, it now appears the stage design will be getting revamped. Executive producer Sietse […]

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

Is there anything left that was not carried over? (except for the songs RIP)

MTD
MTD
3 years ago

“to ensure the continuity of the event in a number of different scenarios.”

Like, for example, doing that this very year? No? Ah, EBU, u r always the idiotic one.

Pontus
Pontus
3 years ago

I feel happy again with this news 🙂

ESCFanGA
ESCFanGA
3 years ago

In addition to the stage design, venue, and slogan, I’m pretty sure the semi final allocation for 2020 will also be carried over to 2021 as well.

mad-professor
mad-professor
3 years ago
Reply to  ESCFanGA

Especially as it’s likely Montenegro will return.

ESCFanGA
ESCFanGA
3 years ago
Reply to  mad-professor

Source?

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
3 years ago
Reply to  ESCFanGA

The source is their literal statement from last year. They wanted to take one year off and use the money they saved on busses for the broadcasters journalists and camera crew. A smart decision in hindsight.

RavensHeart
RavensHeart
3 years ago

Was hoping for 15th to be honest due to my schedule,
Oh well

Jay0609
Jay0609
3 years ago
Reply to  RavensHeart

Just deal with the date. You are complaining ? Lucky to even have the contest!

Hatridmunsigra
Hatridmunsigra
3 years ago

I will move to cologne this september and i cant wait to visit Rotterdam when I’m there!!!!

Matt Tuson
Matt Tuson
3 years ago

That’s my birthday sorted

Kim
Kim
3 years ago

My countdown calendar has officially been activated! Is it too early to say I can’t wait!

Cillian
Cillian
3 years ago

They’ll make this the best Eurovision yet

Darren
Darren
3 years ago

Best of luck to the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands and everyone at AVROTROS. You guys deserve this and I’m looking forward to a great show.
It’s nice to have some positivity and clarity that there is light at the end of this really dark covid-19 tunnel and that we will get through it, be together again and get back to doing what we do best, enjoying Eurovision.
Well done everyone involved. Rotterdam 21 will be awesome I am sure.

Sandrine
Sandrine
3 years ago

I need entry tickets though…

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago

Believe me it will be completely normal, like it’s almost a year from now and a lot of countries are already starting to allow smaller concerts to be held, so yeah. Unless something unpredictable happens, but I doubt it – so be ready for a normal ESC 2021 haha

Denis
Denis
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

Until I see it I won’t believe it. A second wave will come and then restrictions will have to be in place again.For now I stillthink ESC 2021 will be different.

Pontus
Pontus
3 years ago
Reply to  Denis

haha you sound like Donald trump. Thats not a good thing. I want to be happy now so enough with the death talk.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
3 years ago
Reply to  Pontus

Since when are figures like donald trump and bolsonaro strict on corona measures? He sounds like anything but trump.

Doris
Doris
3 years ago

This will be the most boring Eurovision season ever with 90% of the artists already known and very few national finals.

Darren
Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  Doris

Well if you include the 2020 selections and national finals it’s one of the most exciting and longest seasons…so

KESC
KESC
3 years ago
Reply to  Doris

I don’t agree. Yes, we may already know some of the artists, but that excites me actually even more. I’m really looking forward to with what kind of songs the artists will come up next year and whether they will sing a song in the same style, or will go for a completely new direction. Maybe some of them will even decide to sing songs in their own language. Plus, we don’t even know anything about the National final season so far. Of course, some countries that would’ve normally chosen their artists by a national selection won’t do so, however,… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by KESC
Fatima
Fatima
3 years ago
Reply to  Doris

I know what you mean Doris, but I think they’ll be enough national finals and song selections to keep us interested.We’ll have an additional element because we’ve already invested in the returning acts for 2020. If they’d sung in 2020 and again in 2021, then that would be boring. It’s exciting to think that we might finally see what they can do on a Eurovision stage.

Pontus
Pontus
3 years ago
Reply to  Doris

Boring to me is teens that say all older ESC is boring because they had no LED. haha. Watch them. Its nice and LED is overrated

Tom
Tom
3 years ago

OMG less than a year
We are so close to ESC 2021 y’all

stommie
stommie
3 years ago

Dates make sense. A week earlier and they had to take into account the national remembrance day of 4 May.

Thanos
Thanos
3 years ago

It’s great to see that the preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 are well underway!!! I just hope that by then we will have found a way to let Eurovision happen in its normal form. But even if that is not the case, I have faith in the organisers that they will do whatever is necessary to protect public health but also host our beloved contest in some form!

Esc addict
Esc addict
3 years ago

So happy, it’s the euphoria to see my beloved contest re rise like a phoenix, to all singers and broadcasters welcome back to our arcade, don’t forget to bring your best toy in the competition.

Jofty
Jofty
3 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

You are On Fire today. Here’ s to our Heroes and their Fairytale. C’mon Everybody, Believe it! I Wanna!

Jofty
Jofty
3 years ago
Reply to  Jofty

Only if it’s Free!

Salem
Salem
3 years ago

Hope for the best, but, sadly, I doubt they will be allowed to fill the whole arena in May 2021. COVID-19 most likely ends with mass vaccination, which is unlikely to happen in May 2021 already. They’ll probably have to do the SF and Grand Final shows with limitations and restrictions regarding the audience. Hope I’m wrong 🙂

My Tears Are Getting Sober
My Tears Are Getting Sober
3 years ago
Reply to  Salem

I think if everyone wore face masks the cheering would be slightly muffled lol

Fatima
Fatima
3 years ago

You can already buy such items on e-bay, I want a Bulgarian one.

stommie
stommie
3 years ago
Reply to  Salem

Probably an all seater and the green room in one of the other halls to make space for those seats.

Roo
Roo
3 years ago
Reply to  Salem

I like the seated idea. For those of us watching on television we can enjoy the performances without flag waving getting in the way.

Come to think of it, the Irish shows in the 90s had enthusiastic audiences even though they were all seated and in smaller theaters.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
3 years ago
Reply to  Salem

It’s really weird because on the eurovision.tv ticket faq they say your tickets for esc 2020 will definitely be valid in 2021 without any small letters or anything. Not a single mention that your tickets could possibly be revoked due to covid 19. I hope they aren’t making any promises they can’t keep up..

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

I guess they have plans in place with regards ato buyers who opted to keep their tickets.
 
It is still quite fortunate in a way that the remaining few waves of tickets went unsold when the contest was canceled. At least, it gives producers some much needed legroom so they only have to deal with less issues in regards to the tickets that did get sold.

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
3 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

Guys come on, it’s nearly one year away. Who would have a profit from empty events and concerts? Europe already suffers from economy decline and I don’t think the countries will just let the economy continue declining. Even tho the vaccine is still not out, many countries allowed the work of bars and clubs with some safety rules that usually no one sticks to. Prime minister of my country stated today that the country won’t be bringing new rules because economy has to go up or people will all die of poverty rather than of corona. I believe the virus… Read more »

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
3 years ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

*like every other influenza virus

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago
Reply to  Salem

Um, Robyn, may I ask if you have checked for bugs on the Wiwibloggs website? Because it’s strange how you immediately get heaps of downvotes irregardless of anything you have said.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
3 years ago
Reply to  Salem

People hating on Robyn for giving what could be a very likely scenario, I like all of us want ESC 2021 to go on with as little changes as possible but, the seating idea is not only a valid and really good idea but should of been done sooner in earlier contest prior to COVID-19. I hope that the vaccine currently being trialed at Imperial College Oxford (the one that is supposedly due to be ready by September) turns out trumps so we call all get the jab and enjoy Eurovision with our Judies like we usually do every year,… Read more »

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

That’s the most gloriously British response I’ve ever heard to anything. I’m with you! Let’s all be safe and sound for 2021!

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
3 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

I think it’s one toxic person managing to give a lot of downvotes some way. I doubt there are even 120 people who have read this comment section.

Jofty
Jofty
3 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

Maybe the Belarusian jury?

Kim
Kim
3 years ago
Reply to  Salem

Hi Robyn, I voted you up and it only added to your vote down figure.

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
3 years ago
Reply to  Salem

Do you really think everyone would agree to take a vaccine? Many people suffering from other diseases died because they couldn’t go to doctor due to pandemic and police hours!

Damien
Damien
3 years ago
Reply to  Salem

My husband is working developing a vaccine, and he thinks it likely we may have one by end of this year. Their trials have already started and will be expanded in Autumn.
 
Even if we do not manage a vaccine, testing is another way forward. Everybody queues to be tested prior to entering, and then when negative result is returned, they’re allowed to access the arena unhindered.
 
Although things can still get in the way, in my household we are very hopeful Rotterdam will happen with an audience.

ani
ani
3 years ago

I stan later dates, it means a longer eurovision season <3

My Tears Are Getting Sober
My Tears Are Getting Sober
3 years ago

amazing, I have tennis that day.