After Bulgaria After the primary victory on the Eurovision Tune Contest (ESC) in Vienna in Might, the 71st version of the mega occasion is now scheduled to happen within the southeastern EU nation in 2027. Dara, the 27-year-old Bulgarian singer from “Bangaranga”, was acclaimed on the welcome social gathering in Sofia two months in the past – and the competitors for the venue instantly started.
4 Bulgarian cities competed to host the ESC subsequent yr. The candidates utilized subsequent to the capital Sofia additionally Dara’s hometown Varna on the Black Sea in addition to Bulgaria’s second largest metropolis Plovdiv, which was European Capital of Tradition in 2019, and Burgas on the Black Sea.
After the primary choice spherical, solely two functions remained within the so-called Metropolis Bid: these from the capital Sofia and people from the vacationer hotspot Burgas.
The choice must be made by the tip of July
The choice course of is now getting into its essential section. The query is: Sofia or Burgas? The accountable committee should have accomplished its work by the tip of July, says the pinnacle of the Bulgarian Nationwide Tv BNT, Milena Milotinova. The general public broadcaster performs an vital function within the preparation and group of the ESC in partnership with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Sofia: Balkan metropolis with historical heritage
Many in Bulgaria see the capital Sofia because the pure venue for the occasion Eurovision Song Contest. “Sofia is a metropolis with a thousand-year historical past, fashionable infrastructure and a novel mixture of cultural heritage, dynamic metropolis life and nature,” says Mayor Wassil Tersiew enthusiastically about Sofia. The Area 8888 Sofia can be the biggest multi-purpose corridor within the Balkan nation with a capability of round 12,000 to fifteen,000 spectators.
The metropolis with round 1.3 million inhabitants beneath the Vitosha Mountains, that are as much as 2290 m excessive, is Bulgaria’s largest metropolis. Sofia’s outdated city is characterised by Roman-era archaeological websites and historic sights. Orthodox and Catholic church buildings, synagogues and mosques are in shut proximity within the heart – the sq. is known as “Little Jerusalem”.
Buildings from the communist period nonetheless stand in Sofia as up to date witnesses. The fusion of antiquity, current historical past and the trendy current is attracting an increasing number of metropolis vacationers to Sofia. The worldwide airport, which is virtually on the outskirts of town, provides handy flight connections.
Burgas: vacationer stronghold and social gathering metropolis
The port metropolis of Burgas on the Black Sea and the seaside resorts within the surrounding space such because the internationally well-known Sunny Seashore (Slanchev Bryag) are thought of Bulgaria’s maritime social gathering zone.
Burgas, the fourth largest Bulgarian metropolis with round 200,000 inhabitants, is the financial and cultural heart of Bulgaria’s southeast. The brand new Burgas Area was solely opened there in 2023.
This may very well be expanded to as much as 15,000 spectators at concert events. Burgas Airport is the busiest airport within the nation after Sofia Airport.
“Burgas stands out as the smallest metropolis when it comes to inhabitants among the many ESC candidates, however it’s taking over this chance with nice ambition,” says Mayor Dimitar Nikolow. He’s satisfied of Burgas’ capability to supply a unprecedented backdrop instantly on the Black Coastline for the Eurovision Tune Contest. A Eurovision occasion in Burgas on the Black Sea may additionally current Bulgaria as a vacationer vacation spot.
Strict choice standards
Strict standards apply when choosing the ESC venue – akin to a corridor appropriate for the occasion. Because the cities involved in internet hosting the occasion in Bulgaria have realized, the corridor must be utterly out there for eight weeks across the date in Might, have a stage with an space of at the least 10 by 15 meters and round 2,000 sq. meters of backstage. Workplace area for greater than 250 individuals can be required.
Lodge capacities and worldwide flight connections are additionally essential.
First ESC victory for Bulgaria
For the southeastern European EU nation, which is without doubt one of the poorest within the EU heard, the triumph in Vienna was the primary ESC victory. Bulgaria has solely taken half within the competitors since 2005.
For monetary causes, it had kept away from taking part prior to now three years. Winner Dara is now bringing the occasion to Bulgaria with the music “Bangaranga” filled with electro beats and Balkan pop echoes.
ESC venues prior to now 5 years Vienna (2026), Basel (2025), Malmö (2024), Liverpool (2023) and Turin (2022). This exhibits that the capital or largest metropolis of a rustic doesn’t at all times need to be the venue.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:260726-930-438878/1