Finland continues to make preparations for next years Eurovision contest.

Next years Eurovision contest is to be held in Helsinki following the win by the Finnish band Lordi in Athens earlier this year.

The 2007 Eurovision Song Contest is to take place on 10th May (semi-final) and 12th May (final).

Although there was intense competition from various venues throughout Finland, YLE, the Finnish Broadcasting Company, have chosen the Helsinki Arena (Hartwell) as the location for the event due to ease of access and capacity.  Additional facilities will still have to be built at the Arena to accommodate both the contestants and the media.

It is estimated the event will cost 13 million Euros to stage, a cost that will be met by YLE, Finnish government, City of Helsinki and ticket sales. The City of Helsinki has plans to arrange events throughout the city in the week leading up to Eurovision final to help in creating a festival atmosphere.

A definite date for tickets to go on sale has not yet been set but it will probably be during the autumn.

Within Finland there is a great deal of interest as to who will host the event on the night with many TV personalities, actors and pop stars being mentioned. The name of the hosts will be announced in January. You just know that whoever they choose will delight Mr Wogan!