Basel to Host Eurovision 2025 Grand Final on 17 May – The Countdown Begins

In a historic move that’s set to reverberate across Europe, Basel has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, with the Grand Final scheduled for Saturday, 17 May. This marks a significant moment for both Basel and the Eurovision community, as it’s the first time that the contest will be hosted outside a capital city for six consecutive contests. St. Jakobshalle, Basel’s premier venue, will be the epicentre of the 69th edition of this iconic event, following a rigorous selection process that saw the Swiss city outshine its final competitor, Geneva.

Basel: The Heartbeat of Europe

Basel’s selection as the host city is no coincidence. The city’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, coupled with its blend of cultural heritage and modern innovation, makes it a fitting backdrop for an event that thrives on diversity and unity through music. Basel, nestled on the banks of the Rhine and at the meeting point of Switzerland, France, and Germany, perfectly embodies the spirit of Eurovision. As Conradin Cramer, President of the Government of Basel, eloquently put it, «We overcome borders of all kinds every day. This fits in perfectly with the Eurovision Song Contest.»

A Return to Eurovision’s Roots

The 2025 contest is particularly special as it sees Eurovision returning to its birthplace, Switzerland, where the first contest was held in Lugano in 1956. That inaugural event was a modest affair compared to the global phenomenon Eurovision has become, but it set the stage for decades of musical history. Switzerland’s connection to Eurovision is deep-rooted, with memorable victories such as Lys Assia’s win in 1956 and Céline Dion’s dramatic victory in 1988. Now, almost 70 years later, Basel will have the honour of hosting Eurovision for the first time in the German-speaking part of the country.

A Celebration Beyond the Stage

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 promises to be more than just a spectacle of music. With SRG SSR, the Swiss national broadcaster, and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) at the helm, the event is set to be a grand celebration of European culture and unity. «Together with the city of Basel, we will create a spectacular celebration of music that resonates far beyond the stage,» said Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest. Fans, delegations, and journalists from across Europe and beyond will descend upon Basel, bringing with them a vibrancy that will transform the city into a melting pot of cultures and creativity.

As the countdown to May begins, excitement is already building. The semi-finals, scheduled for 13 and 15 May, will set the stage for a Grand Final that promises to be unforgettable. For Basel, this is more than just an opportunity to host a global event – it’s a chance to showcase the city’s unique charm and hospitality to the world. As preparations kick into high gear, one thing is certain: Basel is ready to make Eurovision history.

Switzerland’s return to the Eurovision spotlight as host nation is a fitting tribute to the country’s enduring legacy in the contest. And with Basel at the helm, Eurovision 2025 is poised to be a celebration of music, culture, and unity like no other. As the world eagerly anticipates the magic that Eurovision 2025 will bring, all eyes are on Basel – the city where borders blur and music unites.

Source: Eurovision.tv