United by music: Basel gets ready for Eurovision

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Basel, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, is the perfect backdrop for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, the famous celebration of music and diversity.

According to statistics released by the official Eurovision Song Contest, for this year’s event, fans from over 80 countries and territories will travel to Basel in May to watch at least one of the nine Eurovision Song Contest shows live. Naturally, Swiss fans have bought the most tickets as the Eurovision Song Contest returns to their country for the first time since 1989. Near neighbour Germany has purchased the second highest number of tickets, with fans from the UK, France and Spain rounding out the top 5 of ticket buyers.

Basel Cathedral. Photo: Basel Tourismus

The excitement reaches well beyond Europe though, with a large number of ticket holders coming from across multiple continents. Fans from all over the world – Asia, the Americas, Australasia, and more – are heading to Basel in May to take part in the celebrations. Notably, the United States and Australia stand out among the top tier of ticket buyers, highlighting the event’s resonance on a truly global scale. Fans are also coming from as far away as New Zealand and Argentina as well as Malaysia, South Africa and Uzbekistan.

Aerial view Messeplatz. Photo: Basel Tourismus

Foreign ticket buyers account for 44 per cent of the total number of tickets sold so far and there is plenty for them, and visitors from around Switzerland, to do when they get to Basel; including daily concerts at the Eurovision Village, activities on Eurovision Boulevard and performances every night from Eurovision stars at the Euroclub.

Held from 10 to 17 May, fans will have the chance to witness the competition live during six preview shows and three live shows at St. Jakobshalle. The grand final is scheduled for 17 May, while the semi-finals will be held on 13 and 15 May. For the city of Basel, hosting the Eurovision Song Contest is a significant milestone. It not only puts the city on the global stage but also brings together people from over 80 countries, uniting them through the universal language of music.

Photo: Unsplash

“Basel, with its enthusiasm and cultural openness, is the perfect venue for the ESC,” commented former FCB player Marco Streller shortly before Eurovision was announced to be held in Basel. Singer Anna Rossinelli said; “The Eurovision Song Contest stands for cultural, artistic, and human diversity. It’s a perfect fit: even on the many large and small stages in the region, artists with very different backgrounds and individual stories perform. With the Eurovision Song Contest, we can make Europe and the entire world our stage for a few weeks – a unique opportunity for Basel!”

Photo: Unsplash

An array of side events

Basel has planned an array of activities to ensure that visitors have an unforgettable experience. The Eurovision Village at Messe Basel, for example, will host daily live concerts, public viewings, and food and drink stands. The Eurovision Boulevard, stretching from Basel SBB railway station to Basel Badischer Bahnhof, will be the connecting element between various Eurovision venues, offering a vibrant atmosphere with performances and activities. Additionally, the EuroClub at Messe Basel will be the hotspot for fans to party late into the night. The city is further leveraging this special opportunity to showcase its cultural richness. With over 40 museums, famous orchestras, and an internationally acclaimed theatre, Basel offers a plethora of cultural experiences for visitors. The open-air stage at Barfüsserplatz will feature performances by local and regional acts, adding a unique touch to the festivities.

Basel at dusk. Photo: Basel Tourismus

The Eurovision Village

The Eurovision Village at Messe Basel will be the heart of the Eurovision Song Contest experience. This year, for the first time ever, the Village will be hosted indoors in Hall 1 of Messe Basel, offering a weather-proof experience. The program will be hosted by Tanja Dankner, Odette Hella’Grand, and Joël von Mutzenbecher. Former Swiss Eurovision acts such as Remo Forrer (2023), Luca Hänni (2019), Timebelle (2017), Sinplus (2012), and Anna Rossinelli (2011) will be performing, along with international stars including Conchita Wurst (Eurovision winner for Austria 2014), Michael Schulte & Band (German Eurovision act 2018), and 1990s icons such as Rednex and Snap!. Numerous current Eurovision delegations are also expected.

United by music: Basel gets ready for Eurovision

Photo: Unsplash

The village will also host interactive booths and partner zones, daytime cultural programming, family-friendly activities, food courts, themed bars, DJ sets, and live broadcasts of the semi-finals and grand final. The Eurovision Village is open daily from noon and offers free entry.

In addition to the musical performances, the Eurovision Village will celebrate diversity, identity, and artistic freedom with events like Kilian Haselbeck’s interactive dance performance Jukebox Dancer, where spectators can choose dance styles at the touch of a button.

Photo: Unsplash

The Eurovision Boulevard

The Eurovision Boulevard is a key feature of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel. It stretches from Basel SBB railway station to Basel Badischer Bahnhof, including areas of the Riviera along the banks of the Rhine in Kleinbasel.

Photo: Basel Tourismus

The boulevard is set to be decorated with Eurovision flags and will be home to busking zones where acts can perform between 1pm and 11pm. Local performers have been invited to apply to perform at several locations along the boulevard.

Photo: Basel Tourismus

The city of Basel has announced a comprehensive program of music, culture, and contest-related happenings, ensuring that no one ever feels like they are missing out during the week. The boulevard will connect various Eurovision-themed venues in Basel and serve as ideal meeting places for Eurovision fans