Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Everything you need to know
The final takes place this weekend!
Last updated 10 hours ago
Despite the UK not having the greatest success at the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years, that doesn't stop fans across the country coming together to celebrate the biggest and cheesiest night in music.
After Austria won the show last year, the 2026 contest heads to Vienna for the 70th anniversary this weekend, so here's everything you need to know!
Where is the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026?
Thanks to JJ winning last year's Eurovision for Austria, the 2026 contest will take place in the country's capital Vienna, at the Wiener Stadthalle.
This will be the third time that Vienna has hosted, after taking on the honour in both 1967 and 2015.
When is it?
The Grand Final will take place on Saturday 16th May 2026, with the two semi-finals happening on Tuesday 12th and Thursday 14th May 2026.
What is the new logo?
To celebrate a massive seven decades of Eurovision, bosses have showcased a brand new logo for the 70th contest.
The logo, which has been used for the last 20 years, has been refreshed into a simplified single, unique marque, with one familiar element at its centre: that unmistakable Eurovision heart.
Who is representing the UK?
LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will represent the UK in 2026. Real name Sam James Bartle, LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER is a singer/songwriter from Kent, he is also a live electronics performer and composer.
He has a massive following on social media, with over 85 million views and 1.4 million subscribers to his YouTube channel.
LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will perform original track 'Eins, Zwei, Drei'. Check it out below:
Which countries are taking part in 2026?
It has now been announced who will be taking part in the Semi Finals, which take place this week before Saturday night's final.
First Semi-Final (12th May)
First Half
- Georgia
- Portugal
- Croatia
- Sweden
- Finland
- Moldova
- Greece
- Montenegro
- Estonia
- San Marino
- Poland
- Belgium
- Lithuania
- Serbia
- Israel
Second Semi-Final (14th May)
First Half
- Armenia
- Romania
- Switzerland
- Azerbaijan
- Luxembourg
- Bulgaria
- Czechia
- Albania
- Denmark
- Cyprus
- Norway
- Malta
- Australia
- Ukraine
- Latvia
The Top 10 countries from each semi-final will then go through to the Grand Final on Saturday 16th May, along with ‘Big 4’ (France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom).
This year, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will not be taking part in Eurovision as they are boycotting it after it was announced that Israel would compete.
Is there a tour?
There was due to be a live tour, however, just weeks after it was announced it was postponed, with full refunds to be given to those who bought tickets.
How can I watch the Eurovision Song Contest?
Both Semi-Finals and the Grand Final will be available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The final begins at 8pm on Saturday 16th May.
How long is Eurovision on for?
Strap in and get your food and drink supplies ordered, because the Eurovision Song Contest is a mammoth ordeal, lasting a huge four hours!
Who is hosting?
Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski will host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, with Emily Busvine acting as the green room host.
Who will be UK jury spokesperson?
It's not yet known which famous face will be the UK's jury spokesperson. Sophie Ellis-Bextor had the job in 2025.
When did Eurovision first start?
Eurovision first started way back in 1956, with the first ever contest taking place in Lugano, Switzerland. Taking place on 24th May 1956, the contest was held at the Teatro Kursaal, and was inspired by the Italian Sanremo Festival.
It was a lot different back then though, the contest lasted less than two hours, and only seven countries took part with two entrants each!
Lys Assia from Switzerland was crowned the first ever winner with her song 'Refrain'.
READ MORE: Facts you probably didn’t know about the Eurovision Song Contest
Who has won Eurovision the most?
In a fact which may left you in shock, Ireland have actually won the Eurovision Song Contest the most, along with Sweden. The countries have seven victories each. UK, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands have all won Eurovision five times.