Everything you need to know about the Eurovision Song Contest 2024

Love it or hate it, the Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most-watched events across the world, as music lovers come together to celebrate song writing, and all round cheesy and let's face it, bonkers performances!

As we count down the days until the 68th ceremony, which is taking place in Sweden, here's your ultimate guide to the 2024 contest, including the date, who is representing the UK, and the all-important question... Do the UK have a chance of winning?!

When is the Eurovision Song Contest?

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday 11th May.

The two Semi-Finals will take place live on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th May.

Where is the Eurovision Song Contest this year?

Thanks to Loreen winning Eurovision 2023 with her track 'Tattoo', Sweden will host this year's contest. The event will take place at the Malmö Arena in Malmö.

By pure coincidence, 2024 actually marks a huge 50 years since Swedish music legends ABBA won Eurovision with their track 'Waterloo'. The band, made up of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, won the contest in 1974, which was just the start of their incredible career.

On Friday 26th April, this year's official stage was unveiled.

How can I watch the Eurovision Song Contest?

Viewers in the UK will be able to watch the Eurovision Song Contest Final live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 11th May.

Both Semi-Finals will also be available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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!

The contest usually kicks off at 8pm UK time, finishing up around midnight after the winner is revealed.

Who is representing the UK?

Singer and actor Olly Alexander will be proudly representing the UK at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Olly, who was previously the lead singer of Years & Years, will compete with his amazing single 'Dizzy'.

Check out Olly Alexander's 'Dizzy' music video below:

News of Olly's involvement in this year's Eurovision was announced during the Strictly Come Dancing final in December 2023.

Speaking of the news, Olly said: "I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year. As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour.

"I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour! I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name. I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all!”

Which countries are taking part?

37 countries are taking part in this year's Eurovision, with 31 countries competing in the Semi-Finals.

France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom automatically get a place in the Final as they are known as the 'big five'. Host country Sweden also have an automatic place in the Final.

Check out all 37 Eurovision 2024 songs below:

10 countries from each Semi- Final will qualify for the final, following a public vote.

Semi-Final one performers:

Australia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourgh, Moldova, Portugal, Poland, Serbia, Slovenia and Ukraine will compete in the first Semi-Final on Tuesday 7th May.

Semi-Final two performers:

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland will compete in the second Semi-Final on Thursday 9th May.

What is the order of performances?

The order of performances for the Grand Final won't be announced until the second Semi-Final is over.

Who is hosting this year?

Petra Mede and Malin Åkerman will host this year's Eurovision in Sweden.

Petra told Eurovision.tv: "Imagine getting the chance to host Eurovision once again! It's such an incredible honor. After first hosting it alone and then together with the delightful Måns Zelmerlöw by my side, I am now really looking forward to working with Malin. We don't know each other from before, but we have met a couple of times now, and I'm already completely sold. It's going to be a joy to work with her!"

Scott Mills, Rylan Clark and Richie Anderson will be on the two Semi-Finals.

As always, Graham Norton will provide commentary for the UK during the Grand-Final.

Can I watch Eurovision at the cinema?

This year's Final will be shown at a number of cinemas across the UK, with tickets available to buy now.

Fancy dress and sing-a-longs will also be encouraged at the cinema screenings, as fans watch the 26 acts compete for the chance to be crowned the winner.

You can see a full list of participating cinemas right here.

Who is favourite to win?

According to Eurovision World.com, Switzerland are currently this year's favourite to win Eurvision, with a 25% chance. Croatia are currently second favourite with a 16% chance, whilst Italy are in third with a 13% chance.

If you're wondering if the UK have any chance of winning, bookies are predicting Olly Alexander has just a 2% chance of winning.

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'.

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.

Check out the most-watched Eurovision performances:

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final takes place on Saturday 11th May.

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