The EBU Brussels Office hosted a special screening of the “Secret History of Eurovision” documentary on 20 May as part of celebrations for the contest’s 60^th anniversary and the build-up to this Saturday’s Grand Final in Vienna.

The documentary by this year’s contest host broadcaster ORF (Austria) showed just how the contest goes beyond the music and “nul points”. The annual event captures the mood of a continent, showcases the latest trends and gives many countries a unique opportunity to boost their image on the international stage.

The documentary also showed the intimate link with the past 60 years of European history. During the Cold War, those East of the Iron Curtain who could receive TV signals from the West would gather for clandestine Song Contest sessions to take a glimpse of Western entertainment and glamour. When the Iron Curtain fell, it put Europe’s reunification on TV screens across the continent.   Last but not least, at times when war has ravaged countries, the contest has given artists an opportunity to unite around a common message of peace and accepting differences.

The EBU has been marking the 60th Anniversary of the world's biggest live entertainment show by focussing on the impact of the event on the European public sphere. This included a Conference held in London on April 24 which explored how the Eurovision Song Contest has been used a tool for nation-branding, as a source of inspiration for minority groups and as way for international audiences to gain an insight into Europe.