The signing of the agreement between the Generalitat Valenciana, the Benidorm city council and RTVE has today opened the curtain on the third edition of the Benidorm Fest, a competition that chooses the representative of Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, has highlighted the contribution of the Benidorm Fest to the international promotion of Benidorm, the Costa Blanca and the Valencian Community, as well as the promotion of musical talent.
This was stated after the signing of the agreement that was signed by the mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, and the president of the RTVE Council, Elena Sánchez.
Mazón has assured that the Valencian Community “opens itself to the world in a very special way, promoting our talent and that of people who are looking for a space in the world of music” and has insisted that the contest “opens the doors to talent with the most universal language, that of music and culture.”
During his speech, the head of the Valencian executive thanked the previous Consell government team for launching this initiative in Benidorm, and indicated that he "picks up the baton" of continuing to celebrate the festival "with all the humility, enthusiasm and ambition".
Carlos Mazón has once again welcomed Radio Televisión Española, as well as all the participants in this edition, to Benidorm, a municipality that he has referred to as the “cradle of the happiness industry”, since it can be considered as the tourism capital of the Valencian Community and one of the most important national and international references.
The event was also attended by the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Nuria Montes, and the singer Ruth Lorenzo, who will be one of the presenters of the contest.
Through the agreement signed this Thursday, the Generalitat contributes 1.5 million euros for the implementation of advertising and tourist communication actions in the Valencian Community.
For its part, RTVE is in charge of selecting the representation of Spain in Eurovision during the celebration of the Benidorm Fest, the organization and production of the festival, as well as the audiovisual recording and live television broadcast of the three galas.
The main novelty in this third edition of the festival is the promotion of tourism, which goes beyond the city of Benidorm, since the presenters will travel to Elx, Relleu, València and Peñíscola to make reports, which will be broadcast on the final gala, with the aim of promoting the Valencian Community.
New features are also incorporated in the scenic design, which will have mobile elements, an elliptical arch and a circular screen, which will be located at ground level, and will offer a 360º view.
Likewise, for the first time the Benidorm Fest will have a 'Viewing Room' after rehearsals, following the Eurovision model, in such a way that, after rehearsals, the 16 participants and their teams will have the opportunity to refine plans, adjust lights and review their performances to make modifications related to the staging.
It is worth remembering that Benidorm Fest 2024 will celebrate its grand finale on February 3 and the semifinals on January 30 and February 1 and that, during the celebration, a special program of activities will also be offered, including the experience gastronomic 'Tapa Fest', in which 21 establishments distributed throughout the municipality will participate, and the 'EuroClub', which this year returns with more activities and new features.
