Eurovision week in Malmö is over - a first summary
82,000 visitors to the Eurovision Village, 1,100 journalists in the media centre and a full house at Malmö Live. After months of preparations and a hectic Eurovision week, we have reached the finish line.
Eight days of Eurovision are over. The City of Malmö looks back on a packed programme and visitors from all over the world - while there has also been room for demonstrations and creative ways to use freedom of speach.
We take the opportunity to give a first summary as the city settles back into everyday life.
Guests from 90 countries
Malmö was visited by Eurovision fans from 90 nations. But also journalists, police officers, and protesters from several countries. The Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö was organised in a safe and secure manner, while the police ensured that people had the opportunity to express their opinions.
– Our vision for the hosting was always that everyone should feel welcome in Malmö. And to create a sustainable, safe, and vibrant 'Eurovision bubble' in the city centre. I think we've been successful with that," says Karin Karlsson, managing director city host event Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö.
A collaborative effort
The basis of the project has been to collaborate with many different partners - from culture to business. A large number of people have contributed to the event and the city, both before and during these days. Not least over 500 volunteers who have been an important part of the hosting.
– Making Eurovision a success in Malmö is a team effort, and builds on everything that is already working well in the city, such as Malmö Arena and Malmö Fairs, the tourism and culture sector, safety and security. And many different voices have been heard. We have shown that we can have different opinions while at the same time organising a major event. This is a victory for our city and for democracy," says Karin Karlsson.
Village in true Eurovision spirit
The Eurovision Village in Folkets park was the centre of the city's open programme. The park was visited by 82,000 visitors and Malmö residents who took part in over 90 events. Big international names, ESC favourites, and several of this year's competing artists shared stages with folk musicians, salsa stars and choirs. All in a true Eurovision spirit.
Almost 5,000 people came for the public screening of the Eurovision final in the park, and more than 7,000 people roller-skated on the Dancing Queen Stage.
Malmö Live has been "live"
Another key venue was Malmö Live, which was packed with competing artists, delegations, and staff from all over the world. As host city, the City of Malmö hosted an opening ceremony in the concert hall where Malmö musicians and children from Malmö School of the Arts performed.
– The exposure of Malmö in the world has been incredible. Everything from prestigious travel magazines, great spread on social media to all hundred million who saw the competition on Saturday. There have been goosebumps many times," says Karin Karlsson.
Over the next few months, the City of Malmö will evaluate and conduct in-depth analyses of the event and its work.