Over a short period of time, Eesti Laul, the national selection for Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest, has grown to be one of the major events on the Eurovision pre-season calendar. It would appear the team at ERR, the national broadcaster for Estonia are very excited about Eurovision 2017. So much so that tickets for their national selection will go on sale this Thursday, May 5.
ERR have confirmed that Eesti Laul 2016 was the biggest selection for Estonia so far. This years participant Jüri Pootsmann smashed the competition with his song “Play” in front of a sold out crowd in Tallinn’s Saku Suurhall.
Eesti Laul 2016 pulled some huge numbers this year, both in terms of ratings and audience numbers. ERR have confirmed that despite being the sixth smallest country taking part in Eurovision 2016, Eesti Laul was attended by over five thousand people, making it the third most attended national final for Eurovision selection show after Melodifestivalen in Sweden and Melodi Grand Prix in Norway.
The head director of ERR, René Vilbre said that “Those who purchase a ticket now will be guaranteed the best seats. This year, the Saku Suurhall was sold out, so you should act fast before you miss out.”
The head producer for Eesti Laul, Mart Normet added that “Eesti Laul has grown more popular than ever and this has raised the interest of the viewing public. I believe we are the first in Europe to start ticket sales so early, which also gives our foreign fans the perfect opportunity to plan to come and pay Estonia a visit.” Come through, Tourism Estonia!
Even Jüri Pootsmann himself weighed in on the event, saying “the support of the audience is the most important thing for an artist. These are the people that you pass by on the streets on a daily basis cheering you on in the hall. Eesti Laul is like our own mini Eurovision. The size of the production this year was so huge; it gives you a glimpse into what is going to happen at Eurovision.”
The event itself will take place again at the Skau Suurhall on the 4th of March, 2017.
@David Who then come in July and to the Viljandi Folk Music Festival.
but the best music events are in march and april like Tallinn Music Week, beginning of April.
I was actually thinking of visiting Estonia, but when it’s warmer and not during March (when the average temperature is around -1 Degrees C!!).
Eesti Laul is a great event though. It could be worth it.
wow they sure are enthusiastic!