Eurovision Song Contest 2027 to be held in the Bulgarian port city of Burgas

EBU's reasoning

The EBU and BNT reiterated in their statement the combination of venue, technical potential, accommodation capacity, transport links, international connectivity, and municipal commitment. Burgas had prevailed over the competition with this combination, it was added.

With the awarding of the contest to Burgas, Bulgaria is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. Until now, the country had only ever participated in the competition and had never served as host. The 2027 event will therefore also be a first in the history of the music competition.

The contest follows Eurovision 2026, which according to reports is planned for Vienna. Austria had taken on the host role as the winning country of the previous year's competition. With the award to Bulgaria, the host location is thus moving to Southeast Europe.

Eurovision in Bulgaria for the first time

Even before the announcement, expectations had been voiced regarding a possible host location in Bulgaria. In the run-up, Bulgarian media had reported on the criteria and possible venues, among other things. The choice has now fallen on a city situated directly on the Black Sea.

Among the submitted concepts and criteria, according to the EBU, were the size and technical suitability of the event arena, the availability of hotel rooms for the arriving delegations and media, connections to international transport routes, and the city's willingness to visibly incorporate its identity into the competition.

Bidding criteria

With regard to the musical requirements, the rule continues to apply for the participating acts at the Eurovision Song Contest that lead vocalists must perform live. Backing vocal parts may be supported by pre-recorded vocals, according to the information provided.

The Bulgarian pop singer Dara, who had represented the country at Eurovision, had been mentioned in recent weeks in media reports about the award. However, according to the information available, she herself is not part of the organizers' circle.

The city of Burgas plans, following the confirmation, to incorporate large parts of public space into the Song Contest program. The EBU emphasized that the bid showed a "clear vision for transforming the entire city into part of the Eurovision experience."

Outlook on 2027

Details regarding the venue, ticket sales, and program are expected in the coming months. BNT announced that it would be working together with the city of Burgas and the EBU to advance further planning. The exact date of the competition in spring 2027 has yet to be confirmed.

With the announcement, the starting signal has also been given for the logistical and artistic preparations. The EBU stated that the next steps now consist of coordination between BNT, the host city, and the participating broadcasters.