The third largest city in Switzerland, Basel, has been selected by Host Broadcaster SRG SSR and the EBU to host the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in May 2025, said a press release published on Eurovision website, APA reports.
SRG SSR will stage next year’s competition following Nemo’s win in Malmö on 11 May with “The Code”, giving their country its third win in the Contest, and first since Celine Dion took the prize in 1988.
The Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest will be held on Saturday 17 May at the St. Jacobshalle with Semi-Finals earlier the same week on Tuesday 13 May and Thursday 15 May.
Basel was chosen to welcome participating public broadcasters following a competitive city bid process that examined facilities at the venue, local infrastructure and the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists from around the world, amongst other criteria.
Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest said: “The EBU is thrilled that Basel has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The Contest was born in Switzerland in Lugano back in 1956 and it’s great to be bringing it back to its birthplace almost 70 years later.”
“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.