YLE has announced that Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Hartwall Areena, Helsinki 10 and 12 May, 2007.
Helsinki beat off competition from Turku on the last stretch, but logistical aspects decided for Helsinki. The budget is 13 mill. EUR, which is less than the budget was in Athens. Hartwall Arena has no press facilites, and they will be housed in a temporary structures outside the venue. There will be a week long festival around Eurovision in Helsinki hosted by the City of Helsinki. One of the first partners announced is Forum Virium Helsinki, who promise a round-the-clock web content around the show.
Heikki Seppälä, who has decades of experience with Eurovision has been appointed head producer for the event.The draw for performance order will take place on 12 March 2007. YLE will borrow some equipment from abroad, but will mainly look after the project with Finnish staff.
Escfinland.eu has opened a separate section for Helsinki info.