This is what the new stage in Melodifestivalen will look like this year

SVT has commissioned production designer Fredrik Stormby to create a new stage for this year's Melodifestivalen, which begins in Linköping on January 31. Another novelty is a long catwalk that connects the main stage with a stage in the audience.

"The new stage opens up completely new possibilities in the show. When the audience and stage are integrated in this way, a stronger sense of excitement is created that reinforces the feeling of competition for both the in-person audience and TV viewers," says Anders Wistbacka, project manager for Melodifestivalen.