Every year, right on cue, the bursts back into our lives.
Glittery, over-the-top, with dramatic pyrotechnics and packed with catchy bops, it’s an unforgettable musical extravaganza that sees countries across Europe compete.
Such a wonderful tradition is Eurovision, that even Israel and – have joined in.
Many of us know about the modern show, and love cheering on our country’s act – as well as knowing about past winners such as , Bucks Fizz, , Lulu and .
But when did Eurovision first begin?
When did the Eurovision Song Contest start?
The first ever Eurovision Song Content was held on Thursday, May 24 1956.
A musical competition in Europe was agreed the previous year by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
It was held at the Teatro Kursaal in the resort city Lugano, Switzerland.
Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and hosts Switzerland were the only competing countries, as Austria, Denmark and the UK did not agree to join until 1957.
Each country sent two acts, but only one emerged victorious. Swiss singer Lys Assia was the first ever winner, for her song Refrain.
Interestingly, Lys is still the only Swiss person to have won the contest – though Switzerland did win once more in 1988, with French-Canadian star Celine Dion as their entry.
Of course, there are now many more countries taking part in Eurovision.
As many as 25 or 26 usually participate in the final, with many more across two semi-finals.
Countries from across the European continent and beyond take part. joined in 1973, for example, as its Israel Broadcasting Authority was a member of the EBU.
The earliest Eurovision Song Content in Lugano was mostly broadcast on radio, thought it was filmed.
While it would be tricky to find the full show, you can enjoy Lys’ contest-winning performance on .
Who created the Eurovision Song Contest?
While we know the EBU agreed to the contest, who exactly was behind the bright idea?
The idea is attributed to Swiss journalist and media executive Marcel Bezençon, who was in 1955 the director of the EBU – which first formed in 1950.
Bezençon based the idea of Eurovision on Italy’s famed Sanremo Music Festival (dubbed the Italian Song Festival or Italian Song Contest), which launched just a few year prior in 1951.
Sanremo – named for the Ligurian city that hosts it every year – is officially the longest-running annual national music competition, according to the .
Every year since 2002, three Marcel Bezençon Awards have been given out to three acts at Eurovision, in honour of the founder.
Which countries have won Eurovision the most?
According to , Ireland is actually the most successful Eurovision entrant in history.
Ireland has won an impressive seven times, though Sweden – home of the world’s most famous Eurovision winners, ABBA – has taken the trophy six times so far.
Surprisingly, the UK has won it five times – despite our infamous history of scoring ‘on the night.
Also winning five times are France, Luxembourg and The Netherlands.
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