Eurovision week’s opening parade set to start the party

How Swiss city of Basel is the heart of European culture

Basel will be in the international spotlight for a week of festivities surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest but the Swiss city has been at the heart of European culture for centuries.

Eurovision week’s opening parade set to start the party

The Eurovision Song Contest comes shimmering into Basel on Sunday with a glitzy parade kicking off a week of high-octane revelry building up to the May 17 grand final. The Swiss city is pulling out the stops as it hosts the 69th edition of the light-hearted TV spectacular that celebrates kitsch and pushes the boundaries

Eurovision week's opening parade set to start the party

The Eurovision Song Contest comes shimmering into Basel on Sunday with a glitzy parade kicking off a week of high-octane revelry building up to the May 17 grand final.

Are you one of those who loves gold, glitter and Melodi Grand Prix - but miss someone who is just as crazy about the show as you are? Then come to Gasværket on Thursday, May 15, where the two Eurovision lovers Jesper and Dann will be providing live streaming, a quiz and a good atmosphere.

When hundreds of thousands of people gather for a national match in concert, extensive security work is necessary. Swiss police expect half a million visitors to Basel next week, when the European Eurvision Song Contest is held.  The army and police are called in to handle the crowd. "We expect protests throughout the next week," said Adrian Plachesi, communications director at the Basel police.   Swedish police advise Basel is the third most po…

The Eurovision Song Contest in Basel is regarded as an economic gain, despite the high costs. The city expects an increased