As the Eurovision Song Contest continues to captivate audiences across the globe, fans are once again calling for Wales to be represented.
Known internationally as the “land of song”, Wales has a rich culture of music and performance but the country is voiceless when it comes to the singing competition.
Historically, Wales has taken part as a part of the United Kingdom with several Welsh artists representing the nation throughout the years including Mary Hopkin in 1970, Bonnie Tyler in 2013 and Lucie Jones in 2017.
Nation Cymru has relaunched a petition calling for Wales to compete as an independent country in its own right.
The petition, which was originally launched in 2021 after the UK scored ‘nul points’, calls for Wales to be represented as separate entry to the rest of the country.
Eurovision super-fan , Neve Harper told CJS: “As a Welsh person and a big fan of the contest, I’d love to see Wales compete as an independent country in it’s own right”.
It would be a great opportunity to showcase Wales’ rich diversity of talent and music to a global audience. We have such a unique culture, with the Welsh language also, that deserves to be shared with the world.
Neve Harper, Eurovision super-fan
One of the requirements to compete at Eurovision is to be an active member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). S4C is already an active member and has made Wales eligible to compete for the Junior Eurovision in 2018 and 2019.
However, Eurovision expert, Dr Paul Jordan told CJS News: “Although many people would enjoy it, a separate Welsh entry won’t be happening any time soon”.
I think the only way Wales could enter is if perhaps S4C entered, but I don’t think they’d be able to do that when the BBC and the UK are taking part. The BBC currently have the place for the UK and it’s very unlikely they would give up Eurovision due to viewing figures.
Eurovision expert, Dr Paul Jordan
He explained that Wales was able to enter Junior Eurovision as an independent country because “BBC and ITV were not interested in taking part, therefore S4C were able to”.
The UK chose to return to Junior Eurovision in 2022.