On Saturday, the big Eurovision final will be held in Malmö, and while thousands of fans fill the city with party atmosphere, there is a feeling of unease among some of the residents.
This mixture of joy and worry characterizes the preparations for the big music competition reports SVD.
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Several Norwegian artists will also make the trip to Malmö this weekend and they tell Nettavisen what security measures they have taken.
Was warned by the family
Alessandra Mele (21), who was Norway’s entry last year, is one of those who will be present during the Eurovision party in Malmö. She has been given the honorable task of handing out the jury points from Norway during Saturday’s broadcast.
Mele tells Nettavisen that she is not worried, but that she has nevertheless taken several precautions.
– Grandfather has said that I have to be careful, and I understand that.
The 21-year-old further says that she feels safe, and that she cannot stress about things that could possibly happen:
– I don’t feel unsafe, but it could be that something happens and that’s how it is with everything in life. You can walk under a tree and it will fall, but it’s hard to know in advance.
Also read: One in five Norwegians will boycott Eurovision because of Israel’s participation
This year’s Melodi Grand Prix participant Erika Norwich (25) will not make the trip to Malmö. In front of Nettavisen, the 25-year-old says that she has a fear that unexpected events may occur wherever she goes, but that it’s no use thinking like that:
– There is a possibility that things can happen regardless of where you are. I’m afraid to walk around the center of Trondheim on days like 17 May because I’m afraid of terror, but you can’t go and think like that because then you’ll go crazy, she tells Nettavisen.
Trust the advice
The Norwegian duo Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen (22) are participating for Sweden this year, and they have previously told Nettavisen that they should be in place in Malmö already from the beginning of May.
However, they have consulted with those responsible for Eurovision and follow the messages they receive:
– We have consulted with those who work in Eurovision and received advice from them, so we trust them. They are in complete control, and we know it. So we just follow that, the twins told Nettavisen.
The musical twins are therefore not too worried about security in Malmö, despite the fact that riots and chaotic conditions have been expected ahead.
– We must focus on what we have to do, then security and those who work around it must do their job. We feel safe and there was the possibility of such things before as well, so we’re just going to enjoy ourselves and this is a moment that doesn’t happen to many in the world, added Marcus.
Heavy security
In addition to the festivities, security preparations have been stricter than usual. Malmö has introduced measures such as bag bans in park areas and increased police presence, which has led to some cancellations and voluntary defection from festival workers.
Security is something Israel’s contribution, 20-year-old Eden Golan has found out about. Israel’s participation in Eurovision is controversial to say the least, and on Thursday this week there were large demonstrations in the streets of Malmö.
Dissatisfaction with Israel’s presence has led to increased security, and Golan was asked not to leave the hotel room unless absolutely necessary, several Swedish media wrote earlier this week.
Read also: Eden Golan on the demonstrations in Malmö: – I have not seen them
It has also been reported that Golan traveled to Malmö with a large security team. according to The evening paper twelve cars, six motorcycles and a helicopter are needed to transport the Israeli singer to and from the arena.
In addition, heavily armed police stand around the artist’s hotel.
20-year-old Golan has herself told the Swedish newspaper that she is not bothered by the large security team, and when asked if she feels isolated, she replied:
– No, I don’t feel isolated. I feel focused on my goal and I have seen Malmö here and there. I have been well treated, she added The evening paper.
Golan has also stated to NTB that she has not been aware of the demonstration that has been going on:
– I have not seen the demonstrations. I’m here, I’m focused on music, joy and love, and that’s what matters today, Golan told NTB.