The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is set to take place in the heart of Switzerland, and the excitement is building! With the theme “Welcome Home”, Basel is ready to showcase Swiss hospitality and transform itself into the vibrant capital of Eurovision from 13 to 17 May 2025.
Turquoise Carpet – A Historic Opening Ceremony
The festivities will officially kick off on Sunday, 11 May, with the longest Turquoise Carpet in Eurovision history. Delegations will walk from Basel Town Hall, across the Middle Bridge, and up to Messe Basel. This spectacular event will feature performances from local drummers, pipers, dancers, alphorn players, and techno acts. The opening ceremony will end with a Welcome Reception at Messe Basel.
Themes of the Live Shows
Each of the three main shows will highlight a different aspect of the Eurovision journey:
✨ Semi-Final 1 (13 May): “Where It All Began” — Celebrating Switzerland as the birthplace of Eurovision.
🌟 Semi-Final 2 (15 May): “Eurovision Fans” — Honoring the global fan community.
🏆 Grand Final (17 May): “Let’s Celebrate A New Winner” — Focusing on the spirit of competition and victory.
Stage designer Florian Wieder promises an innovative stage inside St. Jakobshalle, with advanced lighting, multiple performance zones, and an immersive fan layout.
Eurovision Takes Over Basel!
Basel is pulling out all the stops to welcome fans with a wide range of public events:
🌆 Eurovision Village at Messe Basel, featuring public viewings, concerts, and food stalls.
🕺 EuroClub & Café EuroClub on Messeplatz, with nightly fan parties.
🌿 Eurovision Square at Barfüsserplatz, offering daily live performances.
⛹️ Eurovision Street & Boulevard, walkable routes linking the main hotspots.
Inclusive Experiences & Long-Term Impact
In line with Switzerland’s values of inclusivity and innovation, Basel will host a wide range of accessible and forward-thinking events during Eurovision Week. One standout initiative is the largest +60 party ever organised in the region, offering a joyful, music-filled celebration for senior citizens to feel fully part of the Eurovision festivities.
In addition, SRG SSR has set up a new Competence Centre for digital media and event broadcasting, built specifically for Eurovision 2025. This centre, located in Basel, will remain active beyond the contest, supporting future productions and nurturing Swiss media expertise.
Switzerland is also setting a new standard for accessibility: a dedicated party for people with disabilities will take place during the week, featuring cutting-edge light and vibration technology. This pioneering event will make music more tangible and immersive for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. On top of that, sign language interpreters will be available at key Eurovision events, making sure everyone, regardless of ability, can take part in the magic.
A Legacy of Swiss Talent on Stage
Basel 2025 will also pay tribute to Switzerland’s deep-rooted Eurovision history with a very special interval act featuring iconic Swiss representatives from past decades. These artists helped shape the country’s presence at the contest and continue to hold a cherished place in the hearts of Eurovision fans.
🎤 Paola del Medico – Switzerland’s elegant songstress who represented the country twice, first in 1969 with Bonjour, Bonjour and again in 1980 with the timeless Cinéma.
🎤 Peter Reber, from Peter, Sue & Marc – a legendary trio that competed four times (in four languages!) between 1971 and 1981, helping define a golden era of Swiss Eurovision.
🎤 Gjon’s Tears – the 2021 revelation with Tout l’univers, who brought Switzerland its first Top 3 result in decades.
🎤 Luca Hänni – who danced his way to 4th place in 2019 with She Got Me, marking the start of Switzerland’s recent Eurovision renaissance.
This star-studded reunion will be an emotional highlight of Eurovision 2025, bridging generations and showcasing the country’s evolving musical identity.
Basel, We’re Coming Home! With 37 countries competing, an unforgettable stage, and an entire city ready to celebrate, Eurovision 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet.
Will you be joining us in Basel? Let us know in the comments below and tell us which events you’re most looking forward to!
