Boom Bang a Bang…
WHO remembers that song recorded by Scottish singer Lulu which was the winning British entry at the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest, appropriately held here in Spain’s capital Madrid! However, that year was rather unique in that it ended up being a four-way tie along with the host country, France and the Netherlands.
The UK is yet to decide on their entry – apparently it will take place next month, but last Saturday night Spain’s was announced. For the second year running a competition called ‘Benidorm Fest’ to select the winning entry took place right here and a lady by the name of Paloma Blanca won.
Originally from Elche, she sang a flamenco-inspired song, but on a personal note, I’m not too sure if it will have enough universal appeal to win on May 13.
Generally, they need to have a good catchy chorus – think Abba with Waterloo in 1974, Brotherhood of Man – Save your Kisses for me in 1976, Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up in 1981, etc. Many mistakenly believe that Cliff won with Congratulations back in 1968 but, can you believe, he was beaten by just one point… by Spain of all countries! Groups were actually only permitted in 1971, which is lucky for ABBA as they have been the biggest success story of all Eurovision winners.
The UK has won Eurovision five times and been runner up 15 times – more than any other country and, bar last year, you have to go all the way back to 1997 for our last win. Many mock the song contest and frustratingly, in a lot of cases, it is all strategic political voting, but I generally watch just to listen to the hilarious commentary by Graham Norton, or back in the day - Terry Wogan.
Spain is a member of the ‘Big Five’, meaning that we automatically qualify for the final without having to participate in the two semifinals. The Big Five, which also includes France, Germany,
Italy and UK, make the biggest financial contribution to the European Broadcasting Union – so technically speaking, you could say that they’ve bought their places!
Economically, Benidorm Fest was fantastic for the resort
as thousands of people flocked here specifically to attend. Although tickets sold out within minutes, a fantastic free ‘Euro party’ took place at the Plaza Triangular where the entries were screened live to the crowds. It was broadcast by RTVE and watched by millions in 24 different countries, giving us great international exposure – at the end of the day, that’s what it is all about. Showcasing the resort.
The same will undoubtedly happen in May for the final, like it did last year, which will be broadcast from Liverpool, which is hosting the event on behalf of Ukraine due to the ongoing war.
I remember attending last year’s final, and the roar when Chanel, Spain’s entry, performed, ending up in a very respectable third place behind winners Ukraine and the UK in second.
When each country declared their results, once again, Benidorm’s Levante beach was the backdrop.
Thankfully the weather last weekend was sunny and glorious for the occasion – unlike the beginning of this week! Wet, grey and cold… reminds us of our old life and why we chose to come here. On the plus side, it is short-lived. Hope I don’t eat my words and we have a repeat of the continuous rain like we had last March and April! On the plus side, it filled up the Guadalest reservoir so there were no water shortages last summer. You’ve always got to look on the positives I say.
This Saturday coming is the carnival parade in Benidorm, scheduled to start at 21.00, although as we all know with Spanish timekeeping, it ‘may’ be a tad later. It is great to watch and see the different costumes, but wrap up as once that sun goes, if in fact it even appears, it will be very chilly.