Head Producer Stig Karlsen has confirmed to Dagbladet that the plans of hosting a multi-show Melodi Grand Prix in 2021 remain unchanged under the conditions set by the pandemic.
‘MGP 2021 will be big and hefty! Obviously there will be fewer spectators in the hall, but it will still be a festival of the people with potentially more than a million people gathering in front of their TV screens. We will offer TV magic and take innovative measures to create close contact between the stage and the audience.’
He explains, however, that at the moment the broadcaster is not in contact with the country’s health authorities regarding Covid restrictions. ‘We actively monitor the restrictions and recommendations given by the authorities. We will assess what kind of dialogue could be necessary in the future in addition to the public updates.’
Currently, Norwegian legislation prohibits public events and gatherings of over 500 people, though the Government has explained that they will evaluate revising these restrictions on September 1.