The European Broadcasting Union and Bulgarian National Television announced that the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, from May 12 to 15. This decision comes after Bulgarian singer Dara won the 2027 contest in Vienna, Austria, marking the country’s first Eurovision win. The contest will take place at Arena Burgas, the city’s newest sports and entertainment venue.
The selection of Burgas as the host city may come as a surprise to some, as the capital, Sofia, was initially expected to host the event. However, Burgas was chosen following a competitive process involving four Bulgarian cities, with the European Broadcasting Union citing the city’s strong overall proposition, combining venue and technical potential.
Bulgaria Prepares for Eurovision
Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green expressed his delight with the choice of Burgas, stating that the city will “bring something really special” to the competition. Green added that Burgas is a vibrant, welcoming city with a strong musical and cultural identity, making it an ideal location for the contest. The city’s mayor, Dimitar Nikolov, described the selection as an “exceptional honour”.
The contest is expected to have a significant impact on the city and the country, providing a platform for Bulgaria to showcase its culture, hospitality, and professionalism. The event can also have economic benefits, with previous host cities experiencing significant boosts in revenue. For example, Liverpool saw a €66m economic boost after hosting the contest in 2023.
Reactions and Implications
Dara, the winning contestant, expressed her excitement about the contest being held in Bulgaria, stating that the country is ready to “scream” and host a great party. The director of Bulgarian National Television, Milena Miltenova, also welcomed the decision, stating that Bulgaria will be a “worthy” host and will deliver a contest that meets the high expectations of millions of viewers worldwide.
The selection of Burgas as the host city has been well-received by residents, with many seeing it as an opportunity for the city to showcase its beauty and culture. The contest is expected to attract a large audience, both locally and internationally, and will provide a unique opportunity for Bulgaria to promote its tourism and cultural industries.
