Eurovision Song Contest 2021

Around 200 million people worldwide follow the Eurovision Song Contest, of which around four million are Dutch. This musical event was first organised in 1956. Since then, the Netherlands has won the Eurovision Song Contest four times. In 2019, Duncan Laurence won the Eurovision Song Contest for the Netherlands with his song Arcade. And so, in 2021, after forty years, the Netherlands became the host country of the Eurovision Song Contest. With Ahoy Rotterdam as the location for this largest spectacle. And us?! We were allowed to provide security for the Eurovision Song Contest in Ahoy Rotterdam. A special experience that we look back on with due pride. Please contact us to discuss the possibilities for your event or festival.

"Gelan has shown that it can facilitate a world-class event, in this case the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, with its equipment. We look back on a pleasant collaboration and, above all, a safe event"

Rosanne Spronk - Project Management Manager Rotterdam Ahoy

International event

Forty countries from all over the world presented their talents in Ahoy Rotterdam. The semi-finals took place on 18 and 20 May 2021, followed by the grand finale on 22 May 2021. The Eurovision Song Contest was organised by NPO, NOS and AVROTROS, in co-production with the European Broadcasting Union and in close collaboration with the host city Rotterdam. This year, safety and health were central, with strict measures that were observed. 3,500 visitors were allowed to attend each show. Thanks to the metal detection gates from Garret Security, the search detectors and the baggage scanners from Adani and VMI, we guaranteed the safety of this largest event. Visitors were checked for suspicious objects via the metal detection gates. Luggage and pallets with stock were screened by various X-Ray scanners. Both security methods are extremely accurate and contribute to a safe and smooth flow of people and goods.

About Ahoy Rotterdam

Ahoy Rotterdam has been an established name among 'the greats of the world' since 1971. International artists, top athletes, politicians and other prominent people are warmly welcomed here. The entrepreneurs behind Ahoy are proud of their role as residents of a world city that is once again in the spotlight. For 50 years, they have been working together on business, fun and happiness.

In Rotterdam, sustainability and circularity are highly valued. The roof of Ahoy, equipped with 5,200 solar panels, functions as a sustainable energy source. This enables Ahoy to supply large-scale events such as De Vrienden van Amstel LIVE, the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament and North Sea Jazz with green energy 195 days a year.

Gelan provides security for Eurovision Song Contest 2021

Drawing up plans, evaluating plans, selecting suitable products, consulting with the organization, building, experiencing and dismantling the security structure. The Gelan Safety Solutions team looked back on this unique experience with great pleasure. Marc Lybaart shares: “We look back on a very successful and safe edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. Providing security for an event of this size was a unique experience for our team and we look forward to taking on more projects like this.”

Securing your event

GELAN Safety Solutions is part of GELAN Detection Systems BV GELAN has specialized in advanced detection equipment for securing locations and events since 1978. We are the official importer of Garrett Security, known from the Olympic Games where they can call themselves 'official supplier' and of Ebinger detection equipment, known for, among other things, visitation detectors for prisons, penitentiaries and airports. Our range includes metal detection gates, visitation detectors, inspection mirrors, letter bomb detectors and stethoscopes. With high-quality products and our stronghold of knowledge, we ensure that your location or event is professionally secured.