Efficiency and beer

Step into any of Dusseldorf city centre's side-streets at night and you can't escape Eurovision. From bars festooned with flags of the participating countries to groups of admittedly tipsy revelers singing their nation's entry, Eurovision is everywhere.

Dusseldorf has arguably seen nothing of the like before; their cosy, intimate bars and clubs invaded by boisterous fans from all corners of the world making the party swell to such proportions that it has to spill out onto the street.

But Europeans are already savvy to the fact that Germans know how to throw a party. In much the same way as they did with the soccer World Cup which took place in Berlin in 2006, Dusseldorf is evidence of the perfect balance between clear-headed logical organization and foot-loose drunken hi-jinks.

A golden opportunity for the city

Dusseldorfers recognize the golden opportunity they have been given to promote their city as an attractive tourist destination on a global stage.

"It's the chance of a lifetime," exclaimed Roman von der Wiesche, Head of Corporate Communications for the city's tourism and marketing office, "Eurovision is raising the profile of Dusseldorf to an unprecedented extent. We want to position Dusseldorf permanently as an attractive tourist destination and also to prove we are a highly competent host for large-scale events. The impact of the ESC will continue far beyond the finale."

"The whole city lives in the rhythm of the Eurovision Song Contest," he added, "Everyone is dressed up, and hundreds of flags are waving everywhere around the city. It is nearly impossible to overlook this event right now in Dusseldorf."

Hardcore partying

One of the party highlights of this week was an event thrown by the Russian camp to celebrate their song, Alexey Vorobyov’s "Get You", reaching the final.

The event was packed to the rafters with long queues around the corner to catch of glimpse of special guest Alexander Rybak, the violin-playing pixie who triumphed at Eurovision in 2009 for Norway with "Fairytale."

So what do party-goers – many of whom are visiting Duesseldorf for the first time – make of German hospitality?

"Eurovision is a bit like a UFO," said one man from Leipzig, "It lands in a city and everything is centered around it. Dusseldorf has a great party atmosphere anyway but Eurovision mixes and mingles together to create a great energy."

A female visitor from Sweden said: "It's fantastic! Better than I had hoped for. It's a cosy, intimate town but from a party point of view it's fantastic."

"It's our first night partying with the Eurovision crowds in Dusseldorf," said one local man, "Dusseldorf is full of people having a big, big party. We are looking forward to Saturday. That will be the biggest party yet!"

"It's amazing," said a young man from Greece, "The party spirit is very warm. It's crazy. I like that. I’m Greek!"

While a young American woman added: "The Germans know how to party. It's hardcore. I'm having a great time here!"

Extra police officers were on hand in the city centre in case of any problems but while the crowds might have been boisterous, like Eurovision itself, they were brash in a playful way.

If Dusseldorf can maintain the positive, electric atmosphere that has been on display so far, then the post-final party on Saturday could well be the event of the year.

Text: Gavin Blackburn

Editor: Rick Fulker