It’s behind the scenes that right now it’s really happening. 600 volunteers participate in the work around Eurovision. The roles are many and include everything from backstage staff to well-being hosts.
– I will make sure that everyone who works here is happy and happy, those who come to the cookie corner. We serve cakes and pastries from local bakeries. Everyone gets to taste Malmö and it’s one fantastic creation after another and that makes people so happy, says Pia Silfverstolpe, volunteer.
Therefore, volunteers drop out
Several of the artists who were supposed to perform at various events during the Eurovision week have chosen to drop out in protest against Israel participating in the competition. Now around 60 volunteers have also chosen not to complete their assignments.
– There have been various reasons, above all for personal reasons. It could be that you don’t get a holiday at work as planned or that other things have gotten in the way. Then also based on the Israeli participation. But it is not unusual to drop out at larger events when you use volunteers, says Johan Rönning, volunteer coordinator Malmö city.
The concern: Security
Safety is another cause of concern for the volunteers. The city of Malmö places a high priority on security and, among other things, has security checks for entering the area.
– It’s about communication, who to contact. But then also training courses that are for everyone, and there is also a volunteer handbook where they can turn for updated information, says Johan Rönning.
Volunteer Pia understands those who have dropped out, but would not want to end her mission herself.
– It is clear that there is a certain concern, it is unfortunately very, very, very sad that it has to be like this. Personally, I don’t feel unsafe. It’s good security, she says.