„Eurovision Preparty Riga” is annual Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) promotional event held in Riga, Latvian capital, usually 6 weeks before ESC final. PreParty in Riga is organised by ESC fan club in Latvia – OGAE Latvia. The main idea of the event is to promote songs, that will take part in ESC of that year. That’s why organisers are inviting all countries, that taking part in ESC, to come to Riga to present their entries to fans, journalists and other musicians.
First „Eurovision PreParty Riga” was held in March 2014 with only 3 participants taking part, but the event had a huge interest among fans and press, because one of the participants was Austrian entry Conchita Wurst, who later won the ESC. Polish entry Donatan and Cleo was also performing at preparty in Riga and also they had a huge interest among public. Many journalists from Latvia and Europe attend the event.
Second edition of „Eurovision Preparty Riga” was held on April 10, 2015 at Concert Hall «Palladium». Eight ESC acts took part in PreParty 2015, including one of BIG5 countries United Kingdom, as well as representatives from Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Switzerland, Georgia and for sure our own Latvian Aminata. «Eurovision PreParty Riga 2015» was dedicated to ESC 60th Anniversary, with special guests taking part. Those includes winner of ESC 2009 Alexander Rybak, winner of ESC 2002 Marie N, winner of ESC 2011 Eldar Gasimov, and 3rd place holder on ESC 2013 Zlata Ognevich. It was a true celebration for fans and musicians!
On April 2, 2016 Third «Eurovision PreParty Riga» was held at Concert Hall «Spikeri». The 2016 participants from Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Israel, Malta, Serbia, Spain and Switzerland meet and performed in Riga. PreParty 2016 was held in Swedish style, with appearence of special guests from Sweden — Winners of Eurovision Song Contest 1984 – brothers Herreys performed many songs, including their winning entry „Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley”. As second special guests in Riga’s Party were Swedish schlager pop-band „Schlagerfeber”! More than 250 fans and journalists from all over Europe attendent the event!
This year, «Eurovision PreParty Riga» will take place at our new home — Concert Hall «Crystal Club» at 12 april. More informations to follow!
Please note. Eurovision Club OGAE Latvia» is in no way officially connected to or endorsed by the Eurovision Song Contest organisation.
