The Eurovision Song Contest 2027 will take place in the Bulgarian city of Burgas, organisers have confirmed.
It’s the first time the music extravaganza will be held in the Balkan country, which scored its first-ever victory in the contest in May, when Bulgarian singer Dara beat 24 other competitors with her infectious party anthem Bangaranga.
The location was announced by Bulgaria’s public TV broadcaster, BNT, and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on Thursday.
The two semi-finals will take place at the port city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast on May 11 and 13, 2027, while the final will be held on May 15.
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Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, had also applied to host the event.
Eurovision director Martin Green said: “Burgas will bring something truly special to Eurovision.
“It is a dynamic and welcoming city on the Black Sea coast with a strong musical and cultural identity, which possesses the ambition, infrastructure, and passion needed to welcome the big Eurovision family.”
Milena Milotinova, head of BNT, told a news conference that together with the EBU and Burgas they “will face intensive joint work to organise a contest that will live up to the high expectations of millions of viewers around the world”.
Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov said hosting the contest was a major honour for the city.
On Wednesday, Eurovision organisers introduced new rules barring countries affected by an armed conflict or other security risks from hosting the contest.
Under the new rules, the winning broadcaster will be ineligible to host if an armed conflict, sensitive geopolitical situation or other circumstances threaten the security, safety or stability of the country or surrounding region.
Demonstrators protested against Israel ahead of the Grand Final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna 2026. Credit: AP
The contest has faced security concerns in recent years as tensions rose over the participation of Israel over its military actions in Gaza and the Middle East.
Five longtime participants – Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia – boycotted in protest.
The new rules also raised the minimum age for competitors from 16 to 18. Organisers say the change aims to boost safeguarding and protection of younger artists from the pressures associated with competing.
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