Junior Eurovision kicks off in Minsk

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest kicked off in Minsk on 19 November: the solemn opening ceremony took place at the BelExpo National Exhibition Center. The ceremony gave start to the Eurovision Week that will be packed with rehearsals and video shoots.  Apart from that, the participants will be taken on excursions and will be able to discover Belarusian culture, traditions and cuisine.

Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest Jon Ola Sand recalled that this year Belarus will welcome 20 countries, which is the highest number of the participating countries in the history of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. He believes that such a result is not only due to the efforts of the European Broadcasting Union but also due to the way Belarus hosted the show eight years ago.

Each delegation walked the red carpet up to the stage where presenters Anna Kviloria and Denis Dudinsky suggested that the children make a wish. Chairman of the Belarusian TV and Radio Company Ivan Eismont welcomed the participants: “We have brought hundreds of children to the Minsk Arena, foreign participants. Look how many children are involved! I think there are no happier people right now.”

Winner of the Junior Eurovision 2017 Polina Bogusevich believes that the most important thing is to deliver the message of the song to the audience. Host of the Grand Final Evgeny Perlin noted that this event is an excellent opportunity to stand out and get good experience. The final show will be held in the Minsk Arena on 25 November.

Opening ceremony of one of Europe’s most anticipated shows – Junior Eurovision 2018 – in our photo report!