Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the Eurovision Song Contest
Where will the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest be held?
In Malmö, Sweden after Loreen gave her country its record-equaling 7th win in Liverpool in May 2023.
When will the event take place?
Two Semi-Finals will be held on Tuesday 7 and Thursday 9 May with the Grand Final on Saturday 11 May 2024.
What time do the shows begin and end?
The Semi-Finals of the Eurovision Song Contest will begin at 21.00 CEST and end around 23.15. The Grand Final will begin at 21:00 CEST and end around 01:00. If you have tickets to a Preview show the duration of each show should be the same as above. Around 2 hours and 15 minutes for a Semi-Final Preview and 4 hours for a Grand Final Preview. You may leave after all the songs have been performed as the voting and results sequences in Previews are for rehearsal purposes only.
How many countries will take part?
Artists representing public broadcasters in 37 countries will participate in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. A full list of participating countries can be found here.
How many countries will compete in the Semi-Finals?
31 countries will compete in the Semi-Finals. 10 countries from each Semi- Final will qualify for the Grand Final. You can see which Semi-Final each country will perform in here.
Which countries are automatically qualified for the Grand Final?
The so-called “Big 5” countries, France, Germany , Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom are automatically qualified for the Grand Final. They will be joined by hosts Sweden.
Will Sweden, as winners, have an automatic place in the Grand Final?
Yes, Sweden’s song in 2024 will not have to qualify from the Semi-Finals as is traditional for the winning country of the previous year.
How did you make the final decision on the Host City?
Malmö demonstrated they have the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of the scale and complexity of the Eurovision Song Contest. They are experienced in hosting major international events and demonstrated their credentials in hosting a celebration of contemporary music.
Malmö scored highest against an agreed evaluation criteria assessed by host broadcaster SVT and agreed by the EBU. They have a suitable venue, the Malmö Arena, and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest, their financial contribution from across the city and region, the strength of their cultural offer which includes off screen local and regional activity.
There was a formal ‘Request for Proposal (RFP)’ process, where each city was assessed against a set of criteria clearly set out for all parties.
When will tickets go on sale for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest?
Tickets went on sale for the 3 Live Shows and 6 Preview shows on 28 November. If tickets have sold out for the show you wish to attend please keep on eye on our Tickets page for future sales. You can read more information here.
What does Malmö offer for the event?
Malmö has a fantastic venue and a cultural offer that celebrates the diversity, inclusivity and universality of the event. The team at the City of Malmö will be fantastic partners for SVT and EBU in delivering the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.
Who will present the shows?
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted by a Hollywood star and an iconic Eurovision-veteran. Malin Åkerman and Petra Mede will lead the three broadcasts, live from Malmö on May 7, 9 and 11. Petra also hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 and 2016. You can find out more about them here.
How will the Eurovision Song Contest be funded?
The Eurovision Song Contest is a co-production between around 40 public broadcasters from all over Europe, who contribute to the production budget, along with the Host Broadcaster, national and international sponsors, revenues from ticket sales and a contribution from the Host City.
Why do cities need to make a financial contribution?
Given the benefits that will flow to Malmö, the Host City will contribute financially to the hosting of the ESC (both in direct costs and in-kind contributions). The Eurovision Song Contest television shows are fully funded by SVT and Participating Broadcasters.
What is the situation with booking accommodation in the Host City?
SVT and the EBU are working closely with the local council, Malmö’s hoteliers association and the hotels directly to ensure that hotels are available for fans and media at reasonable costs. We are seeking to maximize the available rooms both in Malmö and the wider region, as we know there will be a huge demand for accommodation during this period.
How can I obtain media accreditation for the event?
More details on how to apply for accreditation for the event can be found on our Accreditation page.
How can I volunteer at the event?
The City of Malmö has now recruited all the volunteers it needs for the event.
