Culture
18 Mar 20

Eurovision 2020 cancelled over COVID-19 fears

The annual song contest was set to take place in May.

Following several other high profile cancellations, including Glastonbury and Coachella, it has been announced today, March 18, that the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 will no longer go ahead.

Organisers of Eurovision, which was set to take place at Rotterdam's Ahoy Arena in May, have issued a statement about the decision to cancel the event:

"Over the past few weeks, we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead.

"However, the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe – and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities - means the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has taken the difficult decision to not continue with the live event as planned. The health of artists, staff, fans and visitors, as well as the situation in the Netherlands, Europe and the world, is at the heart of this decision.

"We are very proud that the Eurovision Song Contest has united audiences every year, without interruption, for the past 64 years and we, like the millions of you around the world, are extremely saddened that it can not take place in May."

Ireland was due to be represented at the annual contest by Dublin artist Lesley Roy, with the song 'Story of My Life'.