While temperatures are going down again in Finland, temperatures inside the venue of the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest are gradually going up, as more and more equipment is coming in. A total of 23 trucks are neccessary to bring in some 100 tons of lighting equipment, stage props and video screens.
Nearly 250 people are already working on the preparation and that is only getting more! Yesterday and today, the main truss construction was completed. “There is buzz going on at every square meter of the arena,” Ola Melzig, project leader of Spectra Stage & Event Technologies, says. “We are preparing lights and video in the corridors, working full speed ahead inside. And outside there is an equally massive operation going on,” he adds.
Before delegations and press will arrive in Helsinki for the 2007 ESC, airport-level security will be implemented at the Helsinki Arena, using metal detectors and X-ray equipment. “Never before, such major security measures have been taken in Finland in connection with any entertainment event,” security manager Björn Åkerblom says to Helsingin Sanomat. Host Broadcaster YLE announced that guests will not be allowed to bring in any cameras, liquids, or sharp instruments. Audience members are also advised to leave non-essential bags at home.
The 42 participants can already be found in the international spot lights, Lordi has been announced as opening act and YLE revealed details about the interval act. However, one major name is yet to be disclosed; Who directed the opening sequence of the Final? According to YLE, the originally Finnish director is an internationally acclaimed celebrity. The director, whose identity will be revealed at the press briefing, will be visiting her/his native country next Tuesday to attend the press conference where it will all be revealed!
source:eurovision.tv
