Welsh broadcasters S4C have confirmed that sadly Wales will not be returning to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.
The news came from the broadcasters who responded to a tweet regarding Wales’ position in the upcoming contest:
Good evening. Unfortunately,We will not be taking part in this yearโs Junior Eurovision
— S4C ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ (@S4C) February 17, 2021
The country had hoped to make a return this year however gave no further reason to their decision other than the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which was previously their deciding factor for withdrawing from the contest in 2020.
Wales were seen at Junior Eurovision in 2018 and 2019 having previously been represented as part of the United Kingdom from 2003 to 2005. Their debut entry “Perta” by Manw finished in 20th place in 2018, the following year “Calon yn Curo” by Erin Mai managed to make 18th place.
Despite not making it the Eurovision Song Contest itself yet, Wales have also previously participated in Eurovision Choir twice, even making second place in 2017.
This year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest will take place in France in November, with a specific host city to be chosen at a later stage. It is not yet known what capacity the contest will take place as last year saw several of the competing entries perform from their home countries.
So far six entries have expressed their interest in appearing at the contest, including Ireland who wish to return after missing 2020 due to the pandemic.
Image Source: Andres Putting / Source: S4C
Wales in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Wales made their debut in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest last year in Belarus. Wales was represented by Manw and the song โPertaโ on stage in Minsk, Belarus. They finished 20th in the final, scoring all of their 28 points from the online vote. Wales scored 0 points from the juries in each of the competing countries, alongside Portugal.
Could this mean the UKโs returning???
A withdrawal in February? Wow, that’s very early!