Basel bulletin: Basel becomes the heart of Eurovision 2025

📷 Wikimedia Commons

Basel becomes the heart of Eurovision 2025

Basel becomes the heart of Eurovision 2025. The city has fully embraced its role as the host city of Eurovision 2025. Streets, public squares, and venues now display vibrant decorations, including flags, music-themed banners, and the official “United by Music” slogan. As thousands of fans arrive from across Europe, the city buzzes with celebration.

Eurovision Village at Messe Basel draws huge crowds

One of the main attractions, the Eurovision Village, opened its doors at Messe Basel on 10 May. Since then, it has welcomes thousands of fans each day. The Village offers a packed daily schedule of live concerts, international food stands, and hands-on fan activities, continuing through 17 May.

Each day, Eurovision stars take the stage. On Monday night, Austria’s Conchita Wurst — winner of the 2014 contest — performed new songs to an enthusiastic crowd. She shared the stage with Timebelle, who represented Switzerland in 2017. Thanks to a 12,000-person capacity, the indoor fan zone has hosted large audiences, with peak hours seeing near full attendance.

📷 Albin Olsson

Free concerts light up Eurovision Square

Meanwhile, Eurovision Square at Barfüsserplatz has brought the party outdoors. The open-air stage offers free concerts every day this week. In total, around 50 performances are scheduled, showcasing a wide mix of musical styles — from Swiss jazz to Euro-pop and hip-hop.

Organisers have given a spotlight to local and international stars alike. Luca Hänni (Switzerland 2019) and Anna Rossinelli (2011) have already performed, alongside 90s favorites Snap! and Rednex. To make the event more inclusive, the programme also features a silent disco for hearing-impaired fans and a school band contest for local youth.

📷 EBU/Andres Putting

Basel promotes unity and inclusion

The host city’s message is clear: everyone is welcome at Eurovision. Basel’s slogan, “Basel – Welcome Home,” appears throughout the city, along with rainbow flags and Eurovision 2025 branding.

On Sunday, the contest officially kicked off with an opening ceremony. All 37 participating delegations walked the Turquoise Carpet, the longest ever used in Eurovision history. Crowds lined the route in support, turning the event into a vibrant start to the week.

Businesses and fans bring the city to life

As the contest progresses, the energy continues to build. Hotels and restaurants are fully booked. Meanwhile, local businesses have joined the excitement by decorating their shop windows with Eurovision-themed displays.

Despite the jam-packed schedule, fans have embraced the experience. Many say choosing between events has been the only real challenge — a sign of how much the city has to offer. Basel’s effort to welcome Eurovision with open arms is being widely praised.

 

 

 

 

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Vienna to Host Eurovision Song Contest 2026

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Eurovision 2026
Martijn

Vienna to Host Eurovision Song Contest 2026

pectetetecompeVienna is selected officially  as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Austrian broadcaster ORF and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced today  that the 70th edition of the contest will take place in Austria’s capital. The live shows scheduled for at Vienna’s renowned Wiener Stadthalle. The contest is  held on 12, 14 and 16 May. This marks a return of Eurovision to Vienna after 11 years, as the city last hosted the event in 2015.  Austria earned the honor of hosting Eurovision 2026 thanks to the victory of singer JJ at the 2025 contest in Basel, Switzerland. JJ’s win brought the contest back to Austria, ensuring the country will host the Eurovision Song Contest for a third time. Udo Jürgens and Conchita Wurst won the contest before. The selection of Vienna comes after a competitive bidding process between Vienna and Innsbruck. ORF evaluated both bids, and the Austrian capital’s experience and facilities ultimately gave it the edge.  A Eurovision Homecoming for Vienna Vienna is no stranger to the Eurovision Song Contest. The city’s rich musical heritage, from classical composers to a vibrant modern music scene, makes it a fitting host for Europe’s biggest music event. Vienna previously hosted Eurovision in 1967 and again in 2015. The city earned praise for its organization and hospitality. The 2015 contest at Wiener Stadthalle was a resounding success. The contest drew tens of thousands of visitors and resulting in around 1.3 million overnight stays in the city during the event. The European Broadcasting Union gave highly positive feedback on Vienna’s hosting in 2015. As Austria’s capital and largest city, Vienna offers well-developed infrastructure ready for the influx of fans, artists, and media. The city boasts roughly 80,000 hotel beds to accommodate visitors. There is an extensive public transportation network. Vienna’s international airport also provides direct flights from over 65 countries, ensuring convenient access for all the participating delegations and fans traveling from abroad. Wiener Stadthalle: The Contest Stage Wiener Stadthalle will serve as the venue for all Eurovision 2026 shows. This iconic multi-purpose arena is Austria’s largest indoor venue. There is a seating capacity of around 16,000 spectators. Stadthalle has hosted countless major events and concerts, including the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, which makes it well suited for the contest’s complex staging requirements. By choosing an established venue, ORF can leverage Stadthalle’s existing infrastructure and experience. The arena requires no significant new construction to meet Eurovision’s needs. This allows preparations to get underway immediately. ORF’s production team will benefit from the prior experience of hosting Eurovision at this venue in 2015. They will use those lessons to make the 2026 edition even more spectacular. Looking Ahead to May 2026 With the host city now confirmed, excitement is building for a memorable Eurovision Song Contest in May 2026. The event will feature two semi-finals and a grand final over one week. Dozens of countries from across Europe, as well as guest nations,  will compete for the coveted Eurovision trophy. Viewers can anticipate elaborate stage performances, eclectic musical styles, and the celebratory spirit that Eurovision is known for. Host broadcaster ORF will now turn its focus to the detailed planning and creative aspects of Eurovision 2026. In the coming months, ORF and the EBU exto reveal the official theme and artwork for the contest. Apart from that, the show presenters and other production details will be known. The city of Vienna will also begin its preparations. That includes planning the official Eurovision Village fan zone and other public events to entertain visitors throughout the week. Tickets for the live shows are projected to go on sale in late 2025, once the arena seating plan is finalized. With under nine months to go, Vienna is already gearing up to welcome Europe for an unforgettable Eurovision experience in May 2026. Share

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