Eurovision song contest chooses its host city for 2025

[Enter Stage Rite]

Basel is set to strike a chord with music lovers as it gears up to host the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in May 2025. This Swiss city, known for its cultural harmony, is ready to orchestrate a spectacular show that will resonate across the continent.

 

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city, will be the stage for this iconic musical extravaganza. This decision marks a poignant return to Eurovision’s roots, as Switzerland was the birthplace of the contest back in 1956 when Lugano hosted the inaugural event. Basel edged out Geneva in the bid to host this prestigious gathering of Europe's musical talents.

 

 

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, the vibrant metropolis of Basel embodies a unique blend of tradition and innovation, mirroring the spirit of Eurovision itself. The contest will unfold at the St Jakobshalle, a venue renowned for its top-tier facilities.

 

 

Music enthusiasts can mark their calendars for the semi-finals on May 13 and 15, 2025, with the grand finale set to captivate audiences on May 17.

 

Martin Österdahl, the executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, shares his enthusiasm for the city’s selection:

 

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Basel’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe makes it the ideal setting for an event that celebrates the power of music to connect people across borders.

 

With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Basel reflects the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest. The city’s exceptional St Jakobshalle venue and outstanding hospitality will ensure a memorable experience for delegations, artists and fans alike.

 

Following Contests in the Italian and French speaking parts of the country in 1956 and 1989 we’re also excited to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to German Switzerland for the very first time.

 

 

The return to Switzerland also brings with it a rich historical context. The 1956 contest in Lugano remains unique in Eurovision history as the only edition where participants performed two songs instead of one. Lys Assia claimed victory with her French language song Refrain, though the fate of her German entry Das alte Karussell remains a mystery due to undisclosed voting results.

 

Conradin Cramer, President of the Government of Basel, proclaims, “a great honor for Basel to be able to host the world’s biggest live music event!” Cramer continues:

 

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As an open city in the border triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland, we overcome borders of all kinds every day. This fits in perfectly with the Eurovision Song Contest. We are already looking forward to welcoming our guests from all over Europe: welcome to Basel!

 

• https://metro.co.uk/2024/08/30/eurovision-song-contest-2025-host-city-revealed-21518051/ 
• https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/08/30/basel-chosen-as-host-city-for-eurovision-2025  
• https://www.barrons.com/news/swiss-city-of-basel-to-host-eurovision-2025-organisers-19c0610d 

 

 

 

Images: Ilkin Guliyev | Dreamstime.com, Eurovision