On Monday evening, the International Song Contest "Eurovision-2005" was officially opened.

The official opening ceremony took place on the square in front of the Mariinsky Palace. The territory was guarded and it was possible to enter it only with accreditation cards and invitations. The zone for invitees was decorated with flowers, and covered tables and a stage stood right there.

Vice Prime Minister for Humanitarian Affairs Mykola Tomenko and Deputy Head of the Kyiv City Council Volodymyr Yalovyi spoke before the guests.

Tomenko expressed confidence that the 50th "Eurovision" contest would be the best in the entire history of television. He said that he would very much like foreign guests to become acquainted with the culture of Ukraine and certainly come here again.

Deputy Mayor Yalovyi wished the contest participants that the week they spend in Kyiv would be unforgettable.

After the official part, fireworks blossomed to the sound of Beethoven's 9th symphony. After that, the organizers invited those present to the "Euroclub" (the "Arena" entertainment complex on Bessarabska Square). In the "Euroclub" there was a showing of collections by leading Ukrainian clothing designers and a disco.

Let us recall that all official delegations from 38 participating countries of the international song contest "Eurovision-2005" have arrived in Kyiv.

On May 18 at 19:00 on Independence Square, the concert "Ukraine - the Heart of Europe" will begin.

On Khreshchatyk on May 18-22, the entertainment town "With Kyiv Forever" will operate for guests of the capital during "Eurovision-2005".

On May 19 at 19:00 on the Maidan, another concert dedicated to "Eurovision-2005" will begin.

Later, at 22:00, the semifinal of the contest will begin at the Palace of Sports.

On May 20 at 19:00 on the Maidan - again a concert "Ukrainian Wave", and on May 21 at 19:00 in the same place a concert for Youth Day.

The final of "Eurovision-2005" will begin at the Palace of Sports on May 21 at 22:00.

The closing concert of "Eurovision-2005" entitled "Ukraine. Europe. The Future" will take place on the Maidan on May 22, it will begin at 19:00.

On May 23, EuroCamp on Trukhaniv Island will cease operation.

Ukraine is hosting "Eurovision" after Ukrainian singer Ruslana Lyzhychko won the 2004 contest in Turkey.

Based on materials from "Ukrainian News"