Welsh broadcaster S4C and production company Rondo Media have confirmed to Eurofestivales that all decisions regarding Wales’ participation in this year’s Junior Eurovision have been stopped as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
S4C’s press department confirmed to the Spanish blog that a decision about whether Wales will take part in the contest in Poland has not yet been made due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Wales debuted at Junior Eurovision in 2018.
A different route for the broadcaster?
For the past two years, Wales have selected their Junior Eurovision act via their national final Chwilio am Seren. The audition rounds for the selection usually begin in late April, however so far this year no details have been published regarding applications to take part.
A further lockdown in the UK imposed last week means social distancing rules and the ban of all non-essential travel will remain in place until, at least, 7th May. This makes it impossible to hold open auditions in preparation for the national final, usually aired during September.
The silence from the broadcaster may lead towards a withdrawal from Wales after two years of participation. Yesterday, Scottish broadcaster BBC Alba confirmed that they will not debut at the contest, set to be held in Poland in November.
Wales at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Wales first took part in the contest as part of the United Kingdom between 2003 and 2005. They first showed interested to take part as an independent nation in 2008. They finally made their debut at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2018. Manw represented the nation at the contest held in Minsk with the song “Perta”. It finished 20th overall with 29 points.
Last year, Erin Mai represented the Celtic nation with the song “Calon yn Curo (Heart Beating)”. The song finished in 18th place with 35 points. It was also the first time Wales scored jury points at the contest. Italy awarded Wales six points and Georgia awarded a further three.
Are you hoping Wales will still take part in Junior Eurovision this year? Did you enjoy Erin Mai’s entry last year?
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