The BBC have today announced that the temporary Eurovision radio station that was launched last year, in the build up to the grand final will return for a second year.
Radio 2 Eurovision will be accessible online and through Digital Radio from Thursday 21st May until Sunday 24th May and will broadcast content entirely focused on the contest.
As last year, the station will broadcast from midday until midnight and will kick off each day with a live two hour show direct from the venue hosted by Paddy O’Connell. During this show, Paddy will interview some of the this year’s competing artists as well as play some of the entries.
On Grand Final day, the station will broadcast two hours earlier than usual, starting at 10.00am BST with a simulcast of Graham Norton’s radio show, also being broadcast live from the venue. The grand final itself will be live at 20.00 BST.
Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters will host a live warm up show for the second semi final which will be followed by a live broadcast of the semi final itself. The first semi final will also be replayed to radio audiences on Thursday 21st May.
Other highlights in the schedule include “And the Winner… Isn’t!” – a look at the songs that didn’t win the contest, hosted by 1993 UK entrant Sonia. “Tracks Of My Eurovision Years” – a special playlist of Eurovision entries selected by former UK commentator Sir Terry Wogan. “Paddy Meets Conchita” – a one to one interview with last year’s winning entrant Conchita Wurst.
Eurovision editions of Radio 2 favourites will also be broadcast during the four day pop-up station. These include “The Ultimate Eurovision Quiz” and “Eurovision Pick Of The Pops”.
Finally, Ken Bruce will host “The Ultimate Eurovision Chart” – a special chart as voted for by Radio 2 listeners.
Radio 2 Eurovision will be accessible through DAB digital radio sets, online at www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision and via the BBC iPlayer Radio App and UK Radio Player.
