After Nemo’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, numerous Swiss cities are declaring their interest to be the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Now it’s the turn of Bern and Biel who are considering a joint bid to be the home of Switzerland 2025.
Bern and Biel consider Eurovision 2025 bid
Already, the host city bidding for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is hotting up. So far, five Swiss cities have signalled their interest in presenting proposals for SRG SSR to consider. Next on the list are Bern and Biel who are considering a joint bid to bring the contest to the Swiss capital next May.
Despite early reservations to Bern’s ability to host the contest, the councils of Biel, Bern and the Bernexpo Groupe have joined forces to highlight an opportunity for a joint bid in the region. Previously the President of the Canton of Bern had downplayed the idea of Bern hosting Eurovision. However, the Council of Biel encouraged Bern to reconsider, stating the benefits the contest can bring to the region. Of course, Biel is also the hometown of Eurovision 2024 winner, Nemo.
The Eurovision Song Contest offers the region enormous exposure and would fit in well with the diverse, open and bilingual capital region of Bern and Biel.
Biel Council
Much like the collaboration this year between Malmö and Copenhagen. A similar concept is in Bern and Biel’s potential bid. The host venue in consideration is the Bern Festhalle. Meanwhile, the Tissot Arena in Biel would host additional events required for the contest. The Council of Biel are confident the venue meets the specifications for a modern event. The still in construction, Bern Festhalle is set to open its doors in Spring 2025. Although, at only 9,000 capacity, this is on the low side compared to many Eurovision host venues.
However, the consortium are aware they to assess it against the EBU’s very specific requirements. The statement suggests that Bern and Biel are examining the SRG SSR City Bid Book in close detail.
The three partners will now jointly examine SRG’s detailed City Bid Book. In particular, it must be clarified whether the very high requirements for the venue can be met in the context of an application. This includes issues such as security, logistics and the high costs that the venue will incur. The new festival hall meets the requirements for modern event infrastructure and is ready for the Eurovision Song Contest to be carried out in good time.
A final decision as to whether an application will be submitted is still in consideration. This will be made before the application deadline at the end of June. The municipal councils of Bern and Biel as well as those responsible for the Bernexpo Groupe are convinced that the Eurovision Song Contest would be a great festival and a unique opportunity. They therefore hope that a joint application will be possible. At the same time, it is important for all parties involved to only submit a bid if there is a real chance of being awarded the contract.
Biel Council
It must also be noted, that the last contest to be hosted in its capital city was Lisbon back in 2018. Since then, it has been a popular trend to raise the profile of other cities beyond the capital. Could 2025 break the trend? Stay tuned for further news throughout this Summer.
Eurovision 2025 the story so far…
Over the past month, cities in Switzerland have been considering their host city bid proposals in anticipation of bringing Eurovision back to Switzerland for the third time. The founding nation of the contest hosted and won the first edition in Lugano in 1956. Recently, SRG SSR the Swiss national broadcaster, confirmed that cities have until the end of June to submit their City Bid Books. An announcement on the winning host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is expected in August. Some early speculation, suggested the Grand Final of the next contest could be May 10 2025. So far the following cities have confirmed or denied their interest:
Confirmed interest to bid
Withdrawn interest to bid
- Lugano
- Lausanne
- St. Gallen
Which city are you backing to host Eurovision 2025? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube for our interviews and reactions ahead of Eurovision 2025.
