Special film released to mark 70 years of Eurovision

The film is being released by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which will also release the only known surviving footage of the competition’s first-ever winner, offering fans a rare glimpse into Eurovision history.

The contest, which began on May 24, 1956, has grown into the world’s largest live music event.

To mark the occasion, organisers will release a tribute film featuring some of the most moving moments from seven decades of the competition.

Eurovision Song Contest to release film marking 70th anniversary

The film will be set to Uber Die Brücke Geh’n by Ingrid Peters, Germany’s 1986 entry, and will include footage from the 1950s through to this year’s contest, including Bulgaria’s first-ever win last Saturday.

It will premiere on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel on May 24.

The EBU has also teamed up with Swiss broadcaster RSI to restore the only known surviving footage of the contest’s first-ever winner, Lys Assia, singing Refrain.

The video, filmed by Vincenzo Vicari, shows the singer on stage at Teatro Kursaal in Lugano, Switzerland.

Chris Fox, a senior producer on Eurovision’s digital team who worked on the restoration, said: “Preserving the history of the Eurovision Song Contest is something very close to my heart.

“I’m proud that the EBU was able to commission this restoration so that fans can enjoy Lys Assia’s winning reprise in the best possible quality for years to come.”

The EBU has also launched the Eurofan Voice initiative, a survey inviting Eurovision fans to share feedback and help shape the future of the contest.

Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: “For 70 years, the Eurovision Song Contest has shown what’s possible when public service broadcasters come together with a shared purpose: to create moments of joy, emotion and connection that transcend borders.

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“From a small theatre in Lugano in 1956 to stadiums and screens across the globe today, the Eurovision Song Contest continues to evolve while remaining true to its founding spirit – bringing audiences together through music.”

Fans can watch the 70th anniversary tribute film on Eurovision’s official YouTube channel from May 24.

Will you be watching the special Eurovision Song Contest film? Let us know in the comments.