Ukraine broadcaster NTU have met today to begin planning for Eurovision 2017, and one of their first tasks was to propose new dates for the shows, with the grand final now having the provisional date of 13 May 2017.
The EBU’s original provisional dates for the 2017 competition were 16, 18 and 20 May 2017. But now host broadcaster NTU are wanting to shift it one week earlier, with the shows held on 9, 11 and 13 May, and the general event held from 30 April to 14 May.
The EBU originally chose its provisional dates at the Head of Delegations meeting back in March. The dates were carefully selected to avoid clashing with things like major sporting events that might detract from the potential Eurovision audience. However, the host broadcaster has the right to request changes to the dates, subject to approval from the EBU. As always, don’t go booking your flights yet!
It’s not uncommon for host dates to be changed. In July 2014, Austrian host broadcaster ORF announced that the dates of Eurovision 2015 would be moved to one week later than originally proposed. The EBU has approved the proposed change almost immediately, saying that the new dates suited the EBU for “technical reasons”.
Will the EBU be as quick to respond to NTU’s changes this year? Or is there more to consider?
NTU is also estimating that Eurovision 2017 will attract entries from between 38 to 43 countries. So far 20 countries have confirmed their participation, and we know that Brexit won’t prevent the UK from entering.
What do you think? Should the dates of Eurovision 2017 be moved one week earlier? Share your thoughts below!
maybe krakow
@Riva
It so happened that I was born and I live in Russia and there is not a single second I regret about this. So I don’t “smell” it, I am Russian.
On the other hand I am Ukranian for 1/2 by origin and 1/4 by nationality.
II feel shame for Ukranians just to move this date…
@Plum I know they moved date in similar way like eastern europe done. So it looks inappropriate how you suggested they’re ruining history. You smell russian tho 🙂
Back to reality, I wonder how people booking already while the city haven’t been even chosen…
What are the countries already confirmed to participate?
Quite strange eurovision is on 9th May considering it’s Ukraine…. 9-5-45
Awesome, great idea. If it is one week earlier, we will be done faster. So it is a benefit for everyone.
@Riva
You don’t mean to say that Ukraine is a not post-soviet country, do you?
I want Eurovision one week earlier:) It`s good decision because 20 th May is near the final of UEFA Champions League. 13 rd May is safe date.
@Ivan: Studies always come first … focus on those! This is a song contest, not a screamy-girl-boyband-concert.
@Helloitsme: Why would anyone start preparing anything before the official dates are set publicly? There is life outside of Eurovision so focus on it again … maybe in 2017 as it should be. Calm down … pretty sure u can breathe until the next edition.
Noooo why a week earlier:( I know it’s one week less waiting but I’ve already planned everything, really dumb
@Plum
It’s not difficult to recognize me, darling…
Plum, actually, the date of memory across the world is 8th, so it’s rather ‘problem’ for post-soviet countries which used to be very sticky about it.
@Vlad
You are so funny=)
Without any vodka.
@Misio Oh, ok. That is a problem, indeed.
“We have tears on this day”
Yeah, drinking tons of vodka and constantly repeating “Berlin 1945. Can repeat”
@ESC Greece
No matter how many years pass it is a day of both Victory and Memory for Russia. We have tears on this day.
How the hell it happens that I recognize you under any nick…
@Plum
OK, I got it.
@ESC Greece
And this is one more reason why I want Russia to ignore ESC 2017.
@ESC Greece
Just 09.05.1945, nothing esle=))
@Plum
What do you mean?
May 9th…
It’s a special date… Never in the recent past this date was used for events like this.
Come on Ukraine destroying your history…
Sad.
It would be better if they move it in June instead.
The problem are the semi-finals of Champions League (May 9th) and Europe League (May 11th) – they are brodcast of Tuesday and Thursday at 8.45pm
The champions league final will be played on 3 June, so that is not a problem.
Nooooo, please not one week earlier 🙁
My dream to meet Wiwibloggs team has crashed apart. When Eurovision held in our country, almost all Ukrainian teens will take their exams and if you don’t pass it, you can’t enter the university. I don’t think that Ukraine would win in 2017 or next 5 years, so these changes aren’t very good.
I think one week earlier won’t be possible due to the Chamipons League…
i don’t really understand how moving the dates one week earlier would be beneficial to them, but okay i guess. that’s one week less waiting xD