1 - Eurovision Song Contest

PRESS
HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
Contact Information
3
2.
Logistics
6
3.
Accreditation
8
4.
Minsk Arena
12
5.
Stage Design
14
6.
Hosts&Stars
16
7.
Schedule of the Week and Rehearsals
18
8.
Social Program
19
9.
Press and Media
20
10. Tickets
11.
24
EBU, BTRC& UNICEF:
children’s wellbeing is a top priority
25
12.
Facts and Figures about Belarus
26
13.
Active Info Centre 110
28
1
1
Dear Friends,
For many years Junior Eurovision Song Contest has served the most gifted and
beautiful young artists in Europe giving lots of positive emotions to their lives and
a great start to the future. The Contest also serves us – organisers and producers bringing back marvellous and joyful childhood memories. And, of course, it serves the
television audience presenting 2 hours of the world class family show.
It is a great honour and pleasure for us to host the 8th edition of the Junior
Eurovision Song Contest in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. We will do our best to make
every day of your staying in our country full of happiness, kindness and hospitality.
Feel at home in Minsk! Enjoy a great week of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
2010 in November!
Contact information
PRESS
HANDBOOK
Organisers of the
Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010
Assistant Executive
Producer
(BTRC)
[email protected]
+375293293742
Olga Salamakha
Press Manager (BTRC)
[email protected]
+375297538540
Sietse Bakker
Manager
Communications & PR
Eurovision Family of
Events (EBU)
[email protected]
+3161788 2099
Jarmo Siim
Communications & PR
Officer
Eurovision Family of
Events (EBU)
[email protected]
+372 5563 0071
Anastasiya
Tikhanovitch
Accreditation Manager
(BTRC)
[email protected]
+375296323032
Elena
Gomalinskaya
With kind regards.
Yours sincerely,
Alexander Martynenko
Executive Producer
Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010
2
3
PRESS
HANDBOOK
Heads of Delegations
4
Country
Organisation
Title
Name
Surname
Position
E-mail
ARMENIA
AMPTV
Ms
Diana
Mnatsakanyan
Adviser to the Executive Director
Diana.Mnatsakanyan@armtv.
com
BELARUS
BTRC
Mrs
Ludmila
Borodina
Executive Producer of the TV Channel LAD
[email protected]
BELGIUM
VRT/één
Mr
Maarten
Verhaeghen
Head of Delegation, Producer VRT
Maarten.VERHAEGHEN@
VRT.BE
BELGIUM
VRT/één
Mr
Dries
Verhaeghe
Producent VRT
[email protected]
FYR
MACEDONIA
MKRTV
Mr
Rade
Spasovski
Head of Delegation
[email protected]
FYR
MACEDONIA
MKRTV
Ms
Gena
Teodosievska
Head of International Relations Department
[email protected]
GEORGIA
GEGT
Ms
Maia
Baratashvili
Head of the International Relations Unit
[email protected]
LATVIA
LTV
Ms
Irene
Gruzite
LTV Project Leader, Head of Delegation
[email protected]
LITHUANIA
LRT
Mr
Audrius
Girzadas
Chief Producer of LRT
[email protected]
MALTA
MTPBS
Ms
Anna
Dalli
Head of Delegation
[email protected]
MOLDOVA
TRM
Mr
Vitalie
Cojocaru
Commercial Director
[email protected]
NETHERLANDS
AVRO
Ms
Anja
Zegwaard
Production TV
[email protected]
RUSSIA
RTR
Ms
Ekaterina
Orlova
Chief of Foreign Projects, RTR
[email protected]
SERBIA
RTS
Mr
Dragan
Ilic
Head of Delegation
[email protected]
SWEDEN
SVT
Mr
Christer
Björkman
Head of Delegation
[email protected]
UKRAINE
NTU
Ms
Victoria
Romanova
Head of Foreign Cooperation Department
[email protected]
5
LOGISTICS
2
Arrival and Departure
The journey from the Airport to the Official Hotel for Press will take approximately
60 minutes, and from the Railway Station/Bus - 20 minutes. Our staff at the National
Airport Minsk or the Central Railway/Bus Station will be happy to assist all travelers
to reach their destination.
Transportation
Shuttle buses will be running from the Official Hotel to Minsk Arena regularly
during the opening hours. For all accredited persons the shuttle service starts on
the 15th of November and runs till the 21st of November. The shuttle bus arrival/
departure schedule will be available at the Information Desks at the Official Hotels
and at the Venue. Also there will be free shuttle buses running between Minsk Arena,
Official Hotels and the Euroclub.
Accommodation
PRESS
HANDBOOK
Victoria HoteL
The Official Hotel for Press
is the «Victoria Hotel». It is the
first hotel in the Republic of
Belarus combined with a multifunctional Business Centre
Class A. Opened in July 2007,
the Hotel Complex is situated
in one of the main streets of
the city – Pobediteley Avenue,
10 minutes drive to the railway
station and in close proximity
to Minsk Arena. The four-star «Victoria Hotel» and the «Victoria Business Centre»
grant a great possibility for comfort residence, business carrying out, leisure time and
true recreation arrangement.The Hotel offers 169 comfortable rooms. All of them are
equipped with a conditioning system, mini-safes and mini-bars, city and international
telephone communication, high-speed Internet access, interactive television.
Public Transport facilities in the city
You can take advantage of Public Transport Services. Means of Public Transport in
Minsk include the metro, buses, trolleybuses and trams. Minsk metro operates from
5.30 AM till 01.00 AM. You can buy the ticket right at the metro station, fare - 700
Belarusian Rubles (BYR). Minsk public transport system uses a simple tariff scheme
regardless of the distance: tickets for ground transportation must be purchased each
time when boarding a vehicle, fare for the bus, trolley and tram is 700 Belarusian Rubles
(BYR).
Guides and Volunteers
The organisers of the Contest aim to provide maximum information availability
and assistance for the media. So if you have any questions during your stay in Minsk,
you can always address our Guides. They will have all relevant information regarding
Rehearsals Schedule, press conferences and social events. Over 170 trained volunteers
around will be providing quality service and offering hospitality to all visiting Delegations, fans and journalists. You can approach them at the Information Desks at the
Airport, Official Hotels, Press Centre, Accreditation Centre, etc.
6
7
Accreditation
3
PRESS
HANDBOOK
Accreditation Centre
Press and fans get their accreditation badges at the Main Accreditation Centre. It is
located in Minsk Arena and will be open from 9.00 AM to 9.30 PM every day from the
16th to the 20th of November 2010.
On the 15th of November the Accreditation Centre will be open from 9.00 AM
to 18.00 PM.
Explanation of accreditation categories
A1
Organisers (EBU&BTRC)
Access to all areas with an escort right
A2
Organisers (EBU&BTRC)
Guest-stars with assistants
Access to all areas without an escort right
A3
Medical personnel
Fire-brigade
Access to all areas without an escort right
Security
8
D4
Delegates with access to Backstage
The maximum number of persons that can be accredited as D4 per Delegation is 7
(seven)
Access to Hall during Open and 1stDress Rehearsals
Access to Backstage
Access to Press Working Area, Press Conference Area during Restricted, Open and
Dress Rehearsals
No access to Show Desk, Commentators Area or Technical Areas
D5
Delegates without access to Backstage
The maximum number of persons that can be accredited as D5 per Delegation is 13
(thirteen)
Access to Hall during Open and 1st Dress Rehearsals
Access to Backstage during Restricted and Open Rehearsals
Access to Press Working Area, Press Conference Area during Restricted, Open and
Dress Rehearsals
No access to Show Desk, Commentators Area or Technical Areas
No Access to Backstage during Dress Rehearsals
P1
Special TV–crew
Access to areas of Backstage
Access to Press zones
Access to the Green Room (only with sticker)
No access to Show Desk, Technical Areas,Viewing Room
No access to offices (EBU/BTRC/Technical/Digame)
Security
Access to areas according to workplace
D1
Senior Delegation Members
(Head of Delegation, Assistant Head of Delegation, Head of Press)
The maximum number of persons that can be accredited as D1 per Delegation is 3
(three)
Access to Hall during Open and 1stDress Rehearsals
Access to Show Desk, Backstage, Press Working Area, Press Conference Area and Commentators Area during Restricted, Open and Dress Rehearsals
No access to Technical Areas
D2
Commentators
The maximum number of persons that can be accredited as D2 per Delegation is 2
(two)
Access to Hall during Open and 1stDress Rehearsals
Access to Backstage, Show Desk, Press Working Area, Press Conference Area and Commentators Area during Restricted, Open and Dress Rehearsals
No access to Technical Areas
D3
Artist
The maximum number of persons that can be accredited as D3 per Delegation is 6
(six)
Access to Hall during Open and 1stDress Rehearsals
Access to Backstage
Access to Press Working Area, Press Conference Area and Commentators Area during
Restricted, Open and Dress Rehearsals
No access to Show Desk and Technical Areas
P
Press / Media
Press associated with an organisation that is in a chamber of commerce only (agencies,
newspapers, and international specialised magazines)
Access to Hall during Open and 1st Dress Rehearsals
Access to Press Working Area and Press Conference Area during Restricted, Open and
Dress Rehearsals
No access to Show Desk, Backstage, Commentators Area or Technical Areas
F
Fans
The maximum number of persons that can be accredited as F per Delegation is 10
(ten)
Access to the lounge area in the Press Centre with access to wireless Internet
Access to Hall during Open and 1stDress Rehearsals
Access to Press Conference Area during Restricted and Open Rehearsals
No access to Show Desk, Backstage, Press Centre Working Area, Commentators Area
or Technical Areas
9
PRESS
HANDBOOK
Accreditation plan
1
Areas
2
Restr Reh
Dress-Final
Rigg
Restr Reh
Open Reh
Dress-Final
Rigg
Restr Reh
Open Reh
Dress-Final
Rigg
Restr Reh
Open Reh
Dress-Final
Rigg
Restr Reh
Open Reh
Dress-Final
Rigg
Restr Reh
Open Reh
Dress-Final
Rigg
Restr Reh
Open Reh
Dress-Final
Green Room
Open Reh
Stage
Rigg
Technical Area
Dress-Final
Commentators
Restr Reh
Backstage
Open Reh
9
Rigg
8
2-3 Dress Reh/Final
7
1 Dress Reh
6
Restr Reh
5
Press
Conference
Open Reh
Show Desk
4
Press Centre,
working area
Rigg
Hall
3
GS
D2 Commentators
GS
D3 Artists
GS
GS
Categories
D1
Senior Delegation
Members
Delegates with access
to backstage
Delegates without
D5
access to backstage
D4
F
Fans
*
*
*
P
Press / Media
not allowed to enter
Rigg - Rigging time
Restr Reh - Restricted Rehearsal
allowed to enter
1Dress Reh - 1st, Dress Rehearsal
2-3 Dress Reh/ Final - 2nd and 3rd Dress Rehearsals
GS
*
10
allowed to enter
with Green Room sticker
allowed to enter through
special fan-entrance
and Final
Open Reh - Open Rehearsal
Dress-Final - All Dress Rehearsals and Final
11
MINSK ARENA
4
PRESS
HANDBOOK
Minsk Arena is a multi-sports, roofed arena and a tourist attraction. Minsk Arena
(opened just a year ago) is a unique object not only in Belarus but also in Europe. That
is why Minsk Arena has been chosen as the Venue for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010. It includes a central hockey arena, a skating stadium and a velodrome. The
Arena holds up to 15,000 spectators - more than the population of some European
towns! It is one of the largest arenas in Europe. Concerts of such world music stars as
Elton John, Sting, Joe Cocker, Scorpions, Rammstein, Jose Carreras have already taken
place there.
Geographically Minsk Arena is located on Pobediteley Avenue. It is just 500 metres
from the Minsk ring highway. It is easy to reach the Arena using a personal car or public
transport. The nearest metro station is «Nemiga».
Location: Minsk, Pobediteley Avenue, 111.
Contact phone numbers: 8 (017) 253-53-61; 254-78-86
First Aid
First Aid is located inside Minsk Arena. A doctor will be present at the Venue during
all Rehearsals starting from the 15th of November and medical care/rescue team will
be present during the Show. If you need urgent medical help at other times, call 110.
12
13
STAGE DESIGN
5
PRESS
HANDBOOK
The Stage Design for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Minsk is called
“Land Under the Wings”.
About the design
Belarus is often called the Land Under White Wings.
The sub-logotype of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010 is designed in the shape of
wings symbolising flight, freedom, inspiration, when you feel the wings behind your back. The
wing from the logotype has become “base design” for the set.
The stage floor is covered with dark glass. On the floor there is a number of holes covered with grid (sound), and a number of holes covered with acrylic glass (light). On the edges
there are possibilities for light and smoke to come out. On the edges there are 4 walkways
for entrance/exit. There is an exit for participants through the glass walk to the Green Room.
Measurements
The main Stage
A circle 9 metres in diameter (inside light acrylic glass and sound grid, it’s 7,6 metres).
It is possible to use the total area as seen on the stage plan.
The stage is 1,6 metres high.
Host stage
4 metres in diameter
Logo stage
2,6 metres in diameter
Performance stages
2 metres in diameter
Lighting design
14
The lighting design is made to support arena show in TV format of international standard.
Key words for the lighting design are simple but reflect our will to express joy, happiness and
party feeling. We have a stage and set design with a strong design expression, so this time LED
screens are more compliment to the set design than express the set design. No real video
content, just colours and very simple patterns. No video background in close-ups or medium
shots. Instead we will have happy and enjoying audience in frame. The stage is built on depth
with a mix of set, light and audience in the background. To be able to express all this, we have
a very good mix of approximately 500 modern lighting tools.
15
Hosts&Stars
Minsk Arena has a lot of surprises in store for both the participants and visitors
of the show.
The hosts of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010 are Denis Kourian and Leila
Ismailova.
Denis Kourian is a special correspondent of Belteleradio Company and a popular
host of information and entertainment TV programmes. He has created dozens of
documentary films and special reports, for which he was honoured the title “Best reporter”. Belarusian viewers also appreciated his talents as a Eurovision Song Contests
commentator and named him “Best anchor”. Denis’s programmes gather record numbers of viewers in front of their TV sets. In 2010 specially for the Junior Eurovision Song
Contest Denis has written a script for the documentary
film “Kids of Eurovision” dedicated to all the winners of
the Contest from previous years.
Leila Ismailova is a young student
of the Faculty of Journalism at the
Belarusian State University. She
published numerous articles in
Belarusian newspapers
and magazines, issued a
youth magazine and even
improved her journalist
skills at Aristotle University in Greece. Recently
she’s been trying her hand
as a television presenter
and a model. Leila cares
about her family, career
and social and charity
work. Her appearance on
the stage of Minsk Arena
will become her debut as
a host of the event of allEuropean scope.
16
6
PRESS
HANDBOOK
Besides the young contestants will be supported by their senior colleagues – former
Eurovision Song Contest participants and singers who are well-known in Europe.
In his native country Alexander Rybak will present one of his songs and will share
his emotions and impressions with journalists. Please, don’t miss his press conference!
Apart from this, all the winners from previous years will spend the Euroweek in
Minsk. During the Final Show they will sing a medley of their songs
and will help to present the main prize to the 8th winner of
the Contest. Please, visit all previous winners’ press
conference!
17
SCHEDULE OF THE WEEK
AND REHEARSALS
7
PRESS
HANDBOOK
Monday, 15 November 2010
Friday, 19 November 2010
09.00 - 18.00 Postcard messages to be recorded (Minsk Arena)
09.45 - 10.45 Heads of Delegations breakfast («Minsk Hotel»)
09.00 - 18.00 UNICEF song to be recorded (Minsk Arena)
12.00 - 13.00 Commentator’s Briefing
19.00 Opening ceremony (Euroclub, Palace of the Republic)
13.30 - 14.30 UNICEF song Rehearsal 3, opening act Rehearsal 3
15.00 - 17.00 DRESS REHEARSAL 1
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
17.15 - 18.00 UNICEF&Koldun’s Press Conference
09.20-20.00 Rehearsal of the 14 countries
18.30 - 19.15 EBU&BTRC Press Conference
14.50 - 15.25 Latvia (08)
20.00 - 22.00 DRESS REHEARSAL 2 (including dummy voting Rehearsal, Professional Jury voting)
09.20 -09.55 Lithuania (01)
15.25 - 15.50 Break
09.55 -10.30 Moldova (02)
15.50 - 16.25 Belgium (09)
22.30 in vision test & dummy voting with spokespersons and hosts for countries in trouble with voting
during Dress Rehearsal 2
10.30-10.55 Break
16.25 - 17.00 Armenia (10)
10.55 -11.30 The Netherlands (03)
17.00 - 17.35 Malta (11)
Saturday, 20 November 2010
11.30 -12.05 Serbia (04)
17.35 - 18.35 Dinner
12.05 -12.40 Ukraine (05)
18.35 - 19.10 Belarus (12)
12.40 -13.40 Lunch
19.10 - 19.45 Georgia (13)
13.40 -14.15 Sweden (06)
19.45 - 20.20 FYR Macedonia (14)
14.15 -14.50 Russia (07)
20.00 - 22.00 Euroclub (Palace of Republic)
11.30 Participants depart to Minsk Arena
11.00 - 14.30 Social program for press
13.00 -15.30 DRESS REHEARSAL 3 (including dummy voting Rehearsal)
16.00 - 16.30 – Alexander Rybak’s Press Conference
21.15 - 23.15 LIVE BROADCAST OF THE JUNIOR EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2010
23.45 - Winner’s Press conference
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Saturday, 20 November 2010
09.45 - 15.00 Social program for the countries 8 - 14
00.00 - 02.00 After Party («Minsk Hotel»)
09.45 - 16.00 Rehearsal of the countries 1 - 7
09.45 - 10.30 Lithuania (01)
13.45 - 14.30 Ukraine (05)
10.30 - 11.15 Moldova (02)
14.30 - 15.15 Sweden (06)
11.15 - 12.00 The Netherlands (03)
15.15 - 16.00 Russia (07)
12.00 - 13.00 Lunch
16.30 - 18.00 Countries 1 - 14: UNICEF song Rehearsal
1, opening act Rehearsal 1
13.00 - 13.45 Serbia (04)
20.00 - 22.00 Euroclub (Palace of Republic)
Thursday, 18 November 2010
09.45 - 15.00 Social program for the countries 1 - 7
09.45 - 16.00 Rehearsal of the countries 8 - 14
09.45 - 10.30 Latvia (08)
13.45 - 14.30 Belarus (12)
10.30 - 11.15 Belgium (09)
14.30 - 15.15 Georgia (13)
11.15 - 12.00 Armenia (10)
15.15 - 16.00 FYR Macedonia (14)
12.00 - 13.00 Lunch
16.30 - 18.00 Countries 1 - 14: UNICEF song Rehearsal
12.00 - 13.00 Previous Winners’ Press Conference
13.00 - 13.45 Malta (11)
18
8
SOCIAL PROGRAM
Belteleradio Company, the Host Broadcaster, is glad to propose the accredited
press delegates to take part in Minsk round trip. We will tell you the most interesting
facts about Belarus and show you the most picturesque looks of the Belarusian capital.
The excursion will take place on the 20th of November at 11 AM. For more detailed
information, please, address our guides at the reception in the Press Centre or send an
e-mail to [email protected]. Hurry up, the number of seats is limited!
2, opening act Rehearsal 2
19.00 - 22.00 Special circus performance for the
UNICEF children and the participants
19
PRESS AND MEDIA
9
PRESS
HANDBOOK
The Press Centre is located in the building of Minsk Arena. It will be open every
day from November the 15th to November the 21st. There is an area for the press
representatives with all necessary services to work effectively and enjoy the Contest.
Opening Hours:
Monday, the 15th of November:
9.00 – 18.00
Tuesday, the 16th of November:
9.00 – 21.30
Wednesday, the 17th of November:
Thursday, the 18th of November:
Friday, the 19th of November:
Saturday, the 20th of November:
9.00 – 21.30
9.00 – 21.30
9.00 – 0.00
9.00 – 02.00
Press Working Area
40 fully-equipped PCs
20 lounge-zone seats with local connection and electricity supply
Printers
TV screens
High-speed Internet connection (incl. full Wi-Fi coverage)
Constant presence of IT-support
Press-Conference Area
The Press-Conference Area is ideal for all types of press meetings: conferences,
intimate settings, one-on-one interviews, photo shoots, etc.
Interview spaces
The Press Centre has a well equipped TV Studio for conducting interviews with
all participants of the Contest. All Delegations are welcome to use this area on a first
serve basis.
Lounge and Cafe area
All accredited Media can purchase coffee, snacks and other refreshments at the
Press-bar. The lounge-zone offers inspiring and relaxing atmosphere and comfortable
viewing of the transmission on the TV plasma screens.
Reception Desk
The Reception Desk is located inside the press centre and is staffed by a number
of trained volunteers who will definitely lend aid to all visitors.All accredited journalists
have a possibility to ask for a personal pigeon hole. These pigeon holes are used by
the organisers, participants and members of delegations to distribute promotional
material.
20
21
PRESS
HANDBOOK
SCHEDULE OF THE Press Conferences
Thursday, 18 November 2010
12.00 – 13.00 JESC Previous Winners’
Press Conference
17.15 – 18.00 UNICEF&Koldun’s
Press Conference
Friday, 19 November 2010
18.30 – 19.15 EBU&BTRC Press
Conference
Saturday, 20 November 2010
16.00 – 16.30 – Alexander Rybak’s
Press Conference
23.45 – Winner’s Press Conference
Press Rights During open Rehearsals
There is free access to Open Rehearsals for all accredited press delegates. The
Open Rehearsals include all separate Rehearsals as well as the first Dress Rehearsal for
the show. Regarding tickets for the Second Dress Rehearsal and the main Show please
see “Tickets”. Please note that it will not be possible to enter the hall without a ticket
during the second Dress Rehearsal as well as the televised (main) Show.
Photo and Video Rights
Photo and Video cameras are allowed in the hall during Open Rehearsals within
a designated area. The number of crew members should be kept to a minimum. Any
Delegation wishing to film inside the back stage area will need a special accreditation
sticker for the camera. The Heads of Delegations can apply for camera stickers at the
Show Desk.
Important note: all accredited press delegates must keep
their accreditation badge in all locations of Minsk where they plan to work and
make shootings at all times. There are no restrictions for shootings from the 15th of
November till the 20th. Please don’t forget your accreditation badges!
22
Press Policy
According to the Rules of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010 “all forms of
press contact must be handled by participating broadcasting in such a way that child
artists are not out of their depth or placed in situations in which they cannot cope.The
Head of Delegation shall be the sole point of contact vis-à-vis the press.”
This means that the accredited journalists should direct all requests for interviews
and photographs with the contestants to the Head of Delegation or to the Head of
Press, and under no circumstances through the child or parents.
So, please, contact the Head of Delegation or the Head of Press. The interviews
area of the Press Centre is at the disposal of all Delegations and press as a location for
interviews and photographs.
Important note: radio frequency
interference
The use of wireless transmitters by camera and radio crews is strictly forbidden
in Minsk Arena during the whole week, as their frequencies interfere with production.
Only wired cameras and microphones are permitted into the Venue.The use of lighting
devises is prohibited too.
News access, photo and video service
All news material, photo and video content as well as high resolution photos for the
press are available for use and can be reached at the official websites of the Contest.
The material can be used freely for embedding and news purposes by the media.
Important note: BTRC, the Host Broadcaster, and EBU
have a right to withdraw the pass or cancel the accreditation without
explaining the reasons.
Official Web Sites of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
www.junioreurovision.tv
www.junioreurovision.by
Official Web Site of the Host Broadcaster – Belteleradio
Company
www.tvr.by
Official Web Site of the European Broadcasting Union
www.ebu.ch
23
Tickets
10
Please make sure that you have tickets to enter the hall during the 2nd and 3rd
Dress Rehearsals as well as the televised (main) Show.
24
11
PRESS
EBU, BTRC& UNICEF:
HANDBOOK
CHILDREN’S WELLBEING IS
A TOP PRIORITY
The goal of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010 is not only to find new talents, but also to promote cooperation between the countries and, of course, give our
young artists the opportunity to meet new people and make friends. That’s why the
organisers of the show - the European Broadcasting Union and Belteleradio Company
- have formed a unique partnership with UNICEF for the edition of the greatest annual
children’s music event in Europe. However, this year particular attention is paid to
children with special needs, or the so-called “special kids”. These children do not differ
from others, they simply need a bit more care and sympathy.
Within the framework of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010 , special
projects will be conducted to care for the needs of “special kids”: they will be able to
come to Minsk Arena where specially equipped seats will be waiting for them. Children
from different Belarusian cities will get free tickets to the Dress Rehearsal and the
Show.
Apart from that, Dmitry Koldun, who represented Belarus at the 2007 Eurovision
Song Contest, will present a song called “A Day Without War” that has been written
specially for this occasion. Dmitry will perform it during the show together with the
14 young participants.
You can also do your bit in helping “special kids”! The only thing you should do is to
vote for your favourite participant: call or send an SMS. All profits from the televoting
will go to help those children.
Please, visit our press-conference “UNICEF&Koldun” that will take place on the
19th of November, where you will get additional information about the joint project
of BTRC, EBU and UNICEF.
25
FACTS AND FIGURES
ABOUT BELARUS
12
WATER
PRESS
HANDBOOK
Drinkable tap water
THE OFFICIAL CURRENCY IS THE
BELARUSIAN RUBLE (BYR)
Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10 000, 20 000, 50 000 and 100 000
Belarusian rubles
You can exchange money at most banks and exchange offices
The national holiday is Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus (Republic Day,
July 3).
CAPITAL
Official name: the Republic of Belarus
Official name: Republic of Belarus
Area: 207 600 km2
Population: 9.5 million people
Geographical position:
Belarus is situated in the central part of Europe. It is the thirteenth biggest country
in Europe and sixth in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Belarus lies in the
Eastern European Standard (EET) time zone. EET is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean
Time (GMT+2).
CLIMATE
The climate in Belarus is moderately continental. It is influenced by the Atlantic
Ocean. The average temperature in January ranges from -4°С to -8°С, in July from
+17°С to +19°С. Belarus rarely experiences the extremes of temperature that can
make travelling difficult. 70% of the rain falls from April to October, but it doesn’t mean
it won’t rain in November, so take an umbrella just in case.
THE OFFICIAL STATE LANGUAGES IN
BELARUS ARE BELARUSIAN AND RUSSIAN
Other languages such as Polish, Ukrainian and Hebrew are spoken within local
communities.
RELIGION
The main religion is Christianity (Orthodoxy and Catholicism).
The capital city of Belarus is Minsk. It is located in the centre of the country and is
the largest city in Belarus.
The first recorded mention of the city goes back to 1067. Over the course of its
history, Minsk has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, most recently after
World War II, when it was almost completely destroyed.
Today Minsk is a modern city that serves as the political, economic, scientific and
cultural centre of the country and the administrative centre of the Minsk region.There
are 1.8 million inhabitants in Minsk, and the population is constantly growing.
CULTURAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND
ATTRACTIONS
The capital has an extensive network of cultural establishments with 18 museums
and 12 theatres, including:
The Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War (World War II)
The National Art Museum of Belarus
The National Museum of Culture and History of Belarus
The National Academic Bolshoi Ballet Theatre of Belarus
The State Musical Comedy Theatre of Belarus
The State Puppet Theatre of Belarus
There are numerous interesting historical places and architectural monuments,
including:
Trinity Suburb
Victory Square
Independence Avenue
Orthodox and Catholic Churches
The National Library of Belarus
ELECTRICITY
220v (EU standard outlets), 50Hz alternating current
TELEPHONE
The telephone dialing code for Belarus is +375
To make international calls (including the CIS) from Belarus, you need to dial:
8-10-country code-number
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PRESS
HANDBOOK
RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE
There are many excellent restaurants offering authentic Belarusian cuisine as well
as plenty of venues offering international cuisine or fast food.
Belarus has a growing nightclub scene and Minsk’s nightlife is particularly vibrant.
Most clubs play international pop music and the discos often go on all night.
Some venues also have cabaret shows, and many Minsk clubs offer billiards and
casinos too.
Tipping is entirely discretionary in Belarus and service charges are not automatically added to the bill.
NATIONAL PARTNER
Guest Card
All our Participants, Delegations, Press, Fans and Celebrities will receive the Guest
Card of the Republic of Belarus.
In Europe it is a widespread instrument of tourist attraction and receiving
foreign guests. The Guest Card of the Republic of Belarus is a coalition discount
Program AUTOHELP with a service package daily needed both within the country and
abroad.There are more than 100 companies which provide more than 360 card receiving points within the country.
Leading banks, insurance companies, department stores, boutiques, medical centres, night clubs, cafes and restaurants, the largest mobile operator in Belarus, the fuel
market operator take part in the Program. 24 hour call centre provides customers
with necessary information.
ACTIVE INFO CENTRE 110
GENERAL PARTNER
OFFICIAL PARTNER
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We are glad to inform you that the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Minsk
is widely supported by the special Active Info Centre 110.
It is enough to dial 110 in order to get all necessary info in Russian and English.You
will know about all the activities concerning the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010
(the Venue, participants, etc.).You will be able to plan your routes around Minsk (how
to get to the desired point using public transport or car), nightlife, restaurants, clubs,
exhibitions, theatres, concerts, transport and tickets, financial info (banks, exchange
rates, etc.), yellow pages (incl. business info), medical service centres, fuel prices and
car service centres, parks and recreation zones for children, emergency, beauty salons
and beauty shops, weather forecast (around the world) and, of course, interesting facts
about Belarus.
You can call 110 any time - it works 24/7. Please note that the call is charged according to your mobile operator’s tariff plan.
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