Horsens & Friends—the entertainment and events organization in east Jutland—is getting serious with its bid to host Eurovision 2014. As previously reported, the group has suggested hosting ESC ’14 outdoors in a former prison yard. Now Frank Panduro, the group’s director, has upped the ante and offered Danmarks Radio to cover the entire prison yard with a 10,000 square meter glass roof
Speaking to ekstrabladet.dk, he said that the former prison is the perfect place to host the event. It has the ability to hold large crowds (and in shackles we might add) and evokes a sense of history (though we’re not yet convinced it’s the kind of history that meshes well with sequins and pyro-technic lighting).
“I think that you should try something new and ‘think outside the box,'” he said. “Melodi Grand Prix [and Eurovision] is in need of renewal. There is typically a nice, smooth scene and some talented artists. But all the shows start to look the same year after year. Why not try something new?”
The thought of holding Eurovision outdoors has raised more than a few eyebrows. Can you imagine if Aliona Moon’s dress had gotten drenched in the rain? There would have been electrical sparks, y’all! That explains why Panduro has suggested covering the venue with a glass roof over the courtyard, which stretches more than 100 feet. “Investors have already accepted the deal – it will not take long,” he said. “Everyone likes the idea.”
Every year at Eurovision commentators from each country get a private booth from which they watch the action and commentate. Panduro says they’ll love what he has in mind. “There will be room for 12,000 people under the glass roof, which will remain permanently after the Grand Prix,” he said. “Imagine: commenters can each get a cell to comment from!”
Source and photos: Ekstra Bladet
John B contributed this report from Denmark. Follow the team from WiwiBloggs.com on Twitter @wiwibloggs.
This is a brilliant idea! It’s about time Eurovision did something different, and I think the Danes are just the people to do it!
@Fikri
Keep in mind this prison was closed because the conditions did not suit the standard of a modern day prison.
i heard scandinavian prisons have really high standards… maybe this is not bad afterall.
A little strange I guess, but at the same time pretty darn interesting 🙂
Prison cells for the press. That could get interesting 🙂
One word: No.