Valencian officials confirm Benidorm Fest 2023 funding and festival scope
A Valencian government official will announce on Friday a contribution of 1.5 million euros to Benidorm Fest 2023. The allocation is aimed at sustaining production staff, stage props, and technical equipment, reflecting a notable increase from the prior year. (citation: Generalitat)
Benidorm Fest is set to run its second edition from January 31 to February 2, and February 4, featuring three galas where Spain’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest will be chosen. The contest will take place in Liverpool on May 13.
Listen to the 18 songs in Benidorm Fest 2023
Following Chanel’s victory in the inaugural event, RTVE selected 18 contestants to compete for the chance to carry Spain’s Eurovision banner. The lineup includes a diverse array of artists such as Alfred García, Alice Wonder, Aritz Aren, White Dove, Efeemme, and others. Each participant presents a distinct track, all vying for a spot in the Benidorm final. (citation: RTVE)
The group is scheduled to be in Benidorm from January 29, 2023, to participate in the opening party, the semifinals on January 31 and February 2, and the final on February 4. The ultimate winner will represent Spain at the Liverpool contest.
A significant portion of the Generalitat’s funding will cover the technical aspects of the galas housed at the Palau d’Esports pavilion. The event will showcase the leadership of prominent industry figures and production professionals who shape the show’s visual and auditory experience.
News sources also note the involvement of Monica Naranjo, Rodrigo Vazquez, and Ines Hernand in presenting Benidorm Fest 2023. Members of the Swedish Melodifestivalen team, including Nacho Cano, and Christer Björkman from Eurovision producing, will participate in the jury.
Additional financial backing for the event
The forthcoming plenary session of the Consell will authorize a collaboration between Generalitat Tourism Headquarters and RTVE, allocating 1.5 million euros to Spain’s Eurovision pre-selection process. (citation: Generalitat)
The Valencian government budget lists several subsidies: 547,000 euros for transport machinery and filming, 480,000 for scenography, 275,000 for technical equipment, 120,000 for arts staff, 50,000 for montage, sound, and post production, and 28,000 for production supports and miscellaneous expenses.
Nacho Cano, alongside RTVE’s Chanel and Maria Eizaguirre, will head the jury for this Benidorm Fest edition. (citation: RTVE)
There is acknowledgment that the 2023 budget surpasses last year’s figures. Previously, the Generalitat allocated 872,000 euros from a total of 968,000 to cover technical concepts and equipment. The overall technical budget has nearly tripled.
TVE sets a deadline for Benidorm Fest Stars alongside the first event attendees
In 2022, the festival spent on renting lighting equipment, with 268,440 euros allocated for equipment rental; 165,000 for set construction; 124,157 for video walls and LED screens; about 89,500 for stage structures; 86,048 for installation, design, and monitor rental; and an additional 85,000 for technical equipment.
Continuity of the Benidorm Festival
Officials from the Autonomous Administration defend the festival’s continuity as a key driver for destination branding and tourist promotion within the Valencian Community, both nationally and internationally.
The event is viewed as an optimal platform to present Spain’s Eurovision candidate, marked by high production and television quality. The festival has historically served as a prominent cultural showcase with broad appeal.
Blanca Paloma from Elche will compete again in this edition.
However, the agreement between the Generalitat and RTVE must be periodically revised due to technical considerations. Both sides anticipate signing the renewed agreement before the competition begins.
Benidorm Fest 2023 marks the second Spanish qualifying round for Eurovision, selecting Spain’s representative for the Liverpool contest on May 13. Last year, Benidorm Fest reached a 21 percent audience share, and Chanel, the winner, achieved Spain’s best Eurovision result in 27 years by finishing third.