No bags allowed at events during Eurovision in Malmö

As Malmö hosts the Eurovision Song Contest, the world's biggest music competition, bags will be banned in Folkets Park and at Malmö Live. At the same time, the city is looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors. This was the focus of yesterday's press conference.

The safety and security measures during Eurovision are important and have received a lot of attention. The City of Malmö is responsible for ensuring that the right safety measures are in place in the city and implements them based on the police's threat assessment and risk analysis.

– We can't share everything we do, but for visitors it means both visible and non-visible measures. One of the visible measures will be a bag ban at all locations," says Per-Erik Ebbeståhl, Director of Sustainability and Security, City of Malmö.

Visitors to Malmö Live and Folkets Park will have to leave their bags at home. There will be a bag ban at both venues. The bag ban will apply in Folkets Park from May 4 to May 11 and at Malmö Live from May 4 to May 12. Everyone who visits Malmö Live, Folkets park and those who visit Malmö Arena will also notice a high police presence and security checks.

There will be two entrances open to Folkets park, from Södra Parkgatan and Falsterbogatan and these are controlled entrances. There will be security staff to ensure that no one brings bags into the park. To get to the area where the stages are located – Tattoo stage, Euphoria stage and Dancing Queen stage – all visitors will also pass through security screenings. There will be a large number of security staff and volunteers in the park.

Strong opinions about Eurovision

There are many strong opinions linked to Eurovision being held in Malmö. Especially given the ongoing war in Gaza, between Hamas and Israel and the participation of Israel in the competition. There are ongoing protests and also a considerable amount of pressure on the artists. Some artists have decided to cancel their participation.

– We respect all of those who do not want to be part of Eurovision and we hope that there is mutual respect for those who want to be part of the program. Hatred and threats on our streets and in social media are not what Malmö and Sweden represent," says Per-Erik Ebbeståhl.

Swedish Television chose Malmö for several reasons. Malmö is a young and creative city with a rich cultural life and modern meeting spaces where you can create an event for all of Europe in a sustainable way, since the arena, logistics and communications are already in place.

– We have the opportunity to show that we are a city where different opinions are respected and manifested – that we stand up for our city. And I want to thank everyone, both in our departments, our employees, the entire city's cultural life, business community and civil society, who work with us to welcome Eurovision and our visitors, says Per-Erik Ebbeståhl.

Questions: Alma Tabak, alma.tabak@malmo.se, 0733 340721