At the beginning of 2022 thousands gathered in Benidorm over three days to watch contestants strive for the opportunity to represent Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest, held in Italy in May this year.

The winner was Chanel, who went on to finish third in the contest, the 66th, which was won by Ukraine.

Chanel’s performance in Turin was broadcast live in Benidorm and Eurovision fans turned out in their thousands to enjoy a free party at the resort’s Plaza Triangular, thanks to the City Council. 

Now, according to this Spanish news site, the Generalitat Valenciana has announced that it plans to build on the success of the 2022 event—which it supported with a grant of €1-m—by adding more complementary attractions and spreading the 2023 festival over a longer period.

A financial success

The General Director of Tourism, Herick Campos, above, said the money was well spent because the event generated more than €13-m in revenue and “projected the Valencian Community at a national and international level” via TV broadcasts and on social media.

Campos anticipates that the 2023 event, beginning at the end of next January, will reach 80 percent of visitors to Benidorm, rising to 85 percent when the final is staged on Saturday, February 4.

He added:

Fest 2023 offers Benidorm the opportunity to open up to other markets and add other perspectives, in addition to attracting demand out of high season.

Campos said that, apart from having a “a more attractive stage”, Fest 2023 will make provision for larger audiences, and other musical performances and cultural events are planned for the entire first week in various Benidorm venues.

A ‘Fest Village’ will be a feature

Furthermore, a Benidorm “Fest Village” will be created to allow Eurovision fans to meet contestants vying for a place to represent Spain at next year’s Eurovision contest. In addition, the village will host musical and cultural events, exhibitions, talks, as well as conferences on the festival and its history.

At Fest 2023, two more songs will compete than last year. Sixteen artists will take to the stage to compete to win the Bronze Microphone and represent Spain in the 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, which Newcastle in the UK is bidding to host.

Eight songs will compete in the first semifinal to be held on January 31, and the other eight will compete in the second semifinal.

The best four from each semi-final will advance to the Grand Finale on February 4.

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