Today marks the moment Eurovision fans have been anticipating since last year’s competition in Basel— the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Following JJ’s victory for Austria in 2025, this year’s contest is being hosted in Vienna.
A total of 25 acts from across Europe will battle it out on Saturday, May 16, with each hoping to clinch glory for their nation. That comes, of course, after what feels like an endless parade of voting and the customary tradition of the UK receiving nil points.
So just how long does Europe’s most celebrated television event actually last? For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
This year’s Eurovision will be broadcast live from Vienna on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Graham Norton returning to deliver his trademark wit and commentary.
Brace yourself — the show kicks off at 8pm and runs through until just before midnight, finishing at 11.50pm.
That amounts to almost four substantial hours of flamboyant performances and the occasional technical hiccup. It’s advisable to stock up on snacks and gather some good company, because it promises to be a lengthy evening.
Fear not, Graham Norton will be returning to commentate the Eurovision Song Contest this Saturday, May 16 -Credit:BBC/BBC Studios
Each performance is capped at a maximum of three minutes, but with 25 competing acts, the running time soon mounts up.
That figure doesn’t even account for the guest performances, presenter interviews, and the charming video segments profiling each participating country.
Let’s not forget that once all the performances have concluded, we must sit through a spokesperson from each nation announcing their 12, 10 and 8–1 points to their preferred *cough*, neighbouring, *cough* countries.
Additionally, public votes are now incorporated, a change introduced in 2023. This can completely transform the outcome at the final moment, potentially allowing an act positioned mid-table to emerge triumphant.
Now, you’re likely wondering ‘how can I make the next four hours pass more quickly?’
Here are my top suggestions for every Eurovision, which I follow myself.
1. Host a Eurovision party with all your closest mates.
Though don’t take it personally if they’re not keen on watching the exceptionally lengthy competition featuring overwhelmingly peculiar European acts.
2. Create or print scorecards.
Admittedly this is rather geeky, but for me it is a must.
Nevertheless, producing scorecards and rating your preferred performances makes the programme pass considerably faster, and gives you the feeling of being a judge yourself.
3. Prepare a buffet spread.
This could be a beige selection of traditional party food such as sausage rolls and pasties, or you can make it more fitting by presenting a variety of dishes from each participating nation.
4. Dress as the country you’re backing.
I don’t actually do this one. That’s because I’m aware nobody would join me in dressing up, and doing it alone would simply be depressing.
But if you’ve got a circle of friends willing to dress up, then absolutely go for it.
5. Turn it into a drinking game.
The Eurovision Song Contest is perhaps the simplest event to transform into a drinking game precisely because it’s so predictable.
However, remember to drink sensibly and responsibly, particularly if one of the rules is drink when Graham Norton is sarcastic, as you will undoubtedly have a sore head the following morning.
You can watch the Eurovision Song Contest live from Vienna on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm.