Eurovision has confirmed that this year’s song contest is definitely going ahead in the “best and safest way possible.”

Organisers have confirmed that the show can’t go ahead in its standard format due to coronavirus restrictions; however, they are still hoping to welcome fans to the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam.

With just over three months to go until the show gets underway, the European Broadcasting Union said it was hoping to feature live performances and socially distanced audiences.

The plan would require all fans to follow strict public health measures and submit for frequent COVID testing in the run-up to the event.

All artists who are unable to travel to the Netherlands will be offered the chance to perform ‘live-on-tape’ – with a recording played out in place of a live performance.

The plan would also see activities held on the streets in Rotterdam in a “safe and responsible way.”

The Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam. Image: Eurovision

“The Eurovision Song Contest will definitely make its welcome return this May despite the pandemic,” said Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest. “But, in the prevailing circumstances, it is regrettably impossible to hold the event in the way we are used to

“We’re grateful for the renewed commitment and backing from the City of Rotterdam and the ongoing support of all the participating broadcasters.

“We very much hope to be able to gather in Rotterdam in May and will do all we can in the coming weeks to achieve this.

“With an ever-changing situation we are taking our time to ensure that we can host the Eurovision Song Contest in the best and safest way possible.”

Proposals for Eurovision 2020. Image: Eurovision

Should the coronavirus situation in the Netherlands make the plan impossible, organisers have two back-up scenarios in place.

One would involve a socially distanced audience but no live performances, while the other would be a completely virtual event.

Last year’s Eurovision was one of the first high-profile events to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

In the end, all 41 acts featured in a virtual show broadcast the weekend the final would have taken place.

This year’s contest takes place on May 18th, 20th and 22nd.