Ahead of the UK’s hosting of Eurovision 2023, the British Film Institute has organised a number of events celebrating the Contest.
British Film Institute finds rare footage
The Institute, responsible for iconic British films such as “The King’s Speech” and “Notting Hill”, has organised two events for Eurovision fans ahead of the UK’s hosting of the Contest next year. On October 22nd, a panel will be held looking at the evolution of the Contest, both positively and negatively. A ‘bespoke compilation’ will also be shown during the event, reflecting on iconic moments, famous hosts and showing the growth of the Contest over its 66 year history.
In a separate event on the same day, a rare reconstruction of the 1962 Eurovision Song Contest will be shown. The 1962 Contest was held in Luxembourg City for the first time following Jean-Claude Pascal’s victory in 1961. However, as with many of the first editions of the Contest, footage of the competition is scarce. Despite this, a recently discovered audio transmission of the Contest at the BBC has allowed for an accurate reconstruction, which will immerse viewers in the competition.
Tickets for both events will be going on the 20th of September. Those interested can go to the BFI website, but can also be bought here and here. A joint ticket is available for both events.
United Kingdom’s Eurovision journey
Despite a recent slump in results, the UK is one of the most successful countries at the Eurovision Song Contest. Debuting at the second edition ever of the Contest in 1957, the United Kingdom has won the competition on five separate occasions. The most recent win for the UK was in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves, singing “Love Shine A Light”. The UK also holds the record for the number of second place finishes – currently at 16.
In 2022, the UK was represented by Sam Ryder with his song “SPACE MAN”. The performance managed to impress juries and televoters, and the UK finished in second place with 466 points, their best placing since 1998.
What do you think of the British Film Institute’s tribute to the Contest? Will you be buying a ticket? Should other countries have similar events? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok as we delve deeper in Eurovision!
News Source: British Film Institute
Photo Credit: EBU
