Construction is underway at the Minsk Arena for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2018 on November 25.

Today the rigging for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2018 has begun to be installed at the Minsk Arena. Yesterday saw crews allowed in to the arena for the first time to begin construction for this years competition. Due to the Minsk Arena being used as an ice hockey venue, a heat resistant coating has had to be sprayed over the ice to ensure that it does not melt.

The 2018 edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Minsk, Belarus after the country won the bidding process before the 2017 contest even began. Olga Salamankha explained that Belarus was selected as the host for next years contest over other bids due to their long-term commitment to the competition.

Twenty countries will take part in this years contest. These are:

Albania

Armenia

Australia

Azerbaijan – Returning nation

Belarus

France – Returning nation

FYR Macedonia

Georgia

Ireland

Israel – Returning nation

Italy

Kazakhstan – Debut

Malta

Poland

Portugal

Russia

Serbia

The Netherlands

Ukraine

Wales – Debut

Source: BTRC