United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 1961

The United Kingdom was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1961 with the song "Are You Sure?", written by John Alford and Bob Day, and performed by themselves under their stage name The Allisons. The British participating broadcaster, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), selected its entry through a national final. The entry came 2nd in the contest and reached No2 in the UK singles charts.

Eurovision Song Contest 1961
Participating broadcasterBritish Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
Country United Kingdom
National selection
Selection processA Song For Europe
Selection date(s)15 February 1961
Selected artist(s)The Allisons
Selected song"Are You Sure?"
Selected songwriter(s)
  • John Alford
  • Bob Day
Finals performance
Final result2nd, 25 points
United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest
◄1960 1961 1962►

Before Eurovision

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A Song For Europe

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The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) held a national pre-selection to choose the song that would go to the Eurovision Song Contest 1961. It was held on 15 February 1961 and presented by Katie Boyle. The songs were voted on by a total of 120 jurors aged between 19 and 40 who were divided into 12 juries of ten in the following cities: Aberdeen, Glasgow, Belfast, Leeds, Bangor, Manchester, Norwich, Birmingham, Cardiff, London, Bristol, and Southampton.

The Eric Robinson Orchestra supplied the music and vocal backing was provided by the Beryl Stott Singers.

Final – 15 February 1961
Draw Artist(s) Song Points Place
1 Mark Wynter "Dream Girl" 16 4
2 Craig Douglas "The Girl Next Door" 3 7
3 Ricky Valance "Why Can't We?" 24 3
4 Bryan Johnson "A Place In The Country" 6 5
5 Anne Shelton "I Will Light A Candle" 4 6
6 Steve Arlen "Suddenly I'm In Love" 30 2
7 Valerie Masters "Too Late For Tears" 3 7
8 Teresa Duffy "Tommy" 3 7
9 The Allisons "Are You Sure?" 31 1

At Eurovision

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Voting

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Every participating broadcaster assembled a jury of ten people. Every jury member could give one point to his or her favourite song.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Results of the Final of Cannes 1961". Eurovision Song Contest. Archived from the original on 28 March 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.