Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

A feel good film about chasing your dreams, friendship, rivalry and of course, singing!

This musical comedy parody focuses on aspiring Icelandic musicians Lars (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams) who are given the opportunity to represent their country at the Eurovision Song Contest.

With various locations throughout Iceland, Israel and the UK acting as filming locations, eagle-eyed spotters will notice several of Edinburgh’s best loved landmarks featuring in the film, including the following:

The Royal Mile. One of the most well-known and most visited streets in Edinburgh, this historic street runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Located in the beautiful setting of Princes Street Gardens is the Ross Fountain. Donated to the city in 1869, if you take a closer look at the fountain’s base, mermaids, walrus and lion heads and cherrubs can be seen. At the top are featured four female figures representing science, arts, poetry and industry. 

Offering a stunning view of the city, Calton Hill is also famous for its collection of historic monuments, including the National Monument. Modelled upon the Parthenon in Athens, it was intended to commemorate the Scottish servicemen who died in the Napoleonic Wars, but due to the lack of funds was left unfinished in 1829.

One of the oldest parts of the city, the Grassmarket is today a vibrant, picturesque and lively area with a variety of pubs and independent shops to visit.

A popular walking destination, Arthur’s Seat is the highest point of Holyrood Park. An ancient volcano which sits 251m above sea level, it has an excellent view of the city’s skyline.

A mixture of neo-classical architecture, grand squares and terraces, a walk through Edinburgh’s New Town will help you understand why Edinburgh was nicknamed the Athens of the North.

A former fishing village around three miles from the city centre, Newhaven Harbour has unrestricted views to the west over the Firth of Forth. Today it is still a working harbour and as an array of restaurants that are well worth a visit.

In real-life, Edinburgh is actually no stranger to the Eurovision Song Contest. In 1972 it was held in the city’s Usher Hall after Monaco, which won the year before, was unable to provide a suitable venue. This was not only the first time the show had been held in the UK outside London, but also the first time the show was broadcast live to Asia, with viewers in Japan, Taiwan, The Philippines, Hong Kong and Thailand, all able to watch the show.

The contest was won by Luxembourg with ‘Apres Toi’ by Vicky Leandros. The UK’s entry, ‘Beg, Steal or Borrow’ by the New Seekers came in at a very respectable second place!

For further information about films shot in Edinburgh, see the city’s film office Film Edinburgh