Burgas has been officially chosen as the host city for the 71st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, according to announcements from the Bntnews (BNT) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Bulgaria earned the right to stage the event following an historic victory by singer DARA, who won this year’s competition in Vienna, Austria, with the song “Bangaranga”. The selection of Burgas marks the first time the international music event will be held in Bulgaria.
Burgas Selected to Host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest in May 2027
The competition will take place at news.bg, described as Bulgaria’s newest sports and entertainment complex, which opened in 2023. The official schedule runs from 11 May to 15 May 2027. The two semi-finals are scheduled for Tuesday, 11 May, and Thursday, 13 May, culminating in the grand final on Saturday, 15 May 2027. In addition to the three main television broadcasts, audiences will be able to attend six preview shows held between 10 May and 15 May.
A Competitive Selection Process Involving Four Bulgarian Cities
The decision to award the hosting rights to Burgas followed what officials described as an intensive and competitive selection process. The international working group and the EBU evaluated bids from four Bulgarian cities: Burgas, Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. While Sofia was initially considered a leading contender, Burgas ultimately advanced alongside the capital to the final stage before being selected.
The EBU stated that Burgas was chosen for its strong overall proposition, combining the necessary venue and technical potential with accommodation capacity, transport links, and international connectivity. Arena Burgas provides the structural capacity and rigging potential required for the massive stage and equipment loads demanded by the production, meeting the minimum audience space requirements set by the EBU after accounting for the stage infrastructure.
BNT Director General Milena Milotinova noted that the choice of host city kicks off the next crucial phase of preparation. BNT, the EBU and Burgas face intensive joint work ahead in order to organize a contest that meets the high expectations of millions of viewers around the world,
Milotinova stated, expressing confidence that the country will serve as a worthy host. Eurovision Song Contest Director Martin Green praised the selection, noting that
Eurovision Song Contest Director Martin Green praised the selection, noting that Burgas brings something really special to the Eurovision Song Contest as a vibrant and welcoming Black Sea city with a strong cultural identity.
National Involvement and Accompanying Cultural Program
Although Burgas is the designated host city, BNT has emphasized an ambition to treat the event as a national celebration rather than one isolated to a single location. Organizers announced that Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna will be integrated into the broader accompanying program to incorporate the enthusiasm and ideas those cities demonstrated during the bidding phase.
The week of the contest will feature extensive side events across Burgas. The traditional mediapool.bg, where national delegations parade before the public, is planned for the Sea Garden, while the Eurovision Village will be located in the city center. Additional venues and cultural programs, including EuroClub events, will be detailed by organizers in the coming months.
Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov welcomed the announcement, calling it an exceptional honor and privilege for the region. He noted that the city’s extensive experience managing seasonal tourist inflows will assist in accommodating the incoming delegations, international press, and thousands of fans. Individuals hoping to purchase tickets for the live shows are required to register as Eurofans to secure access when ticket sales officially open.
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