Eurovision 2016 headed to Stockholm

Get out your white skirts, jumpsuits and platform boots, Eurovision is headed back to Stockholm in 2016.

The Swedish city has been chosen to host the event for the third time, and the second at Globe Arena, previously the home of the 2000 event.

“Stockholm has delivered a thorough offer which guarantees that the event once again is taken to the next level,” says Martin Österdahl, from broadcaster, SVT.

“Stockholm is music. Our city seethes with activity revolving music. Creativity is close to our hearts and is something that we want to emphasise and be noticed even more clearly in the city,” says Karin Wanngård, Mayor of Stockholm. “To be the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest gives us the opportunity to reinforce and stimulate the involvement which the music creates for people in Stockholm and all that will travel here to take part of the Swedish musical wonder.”

The agreement with Stockholm city entails that SVT is responsible for all the parts connected with the TV production, while the Host City will be responsible for all logistic solutions, the festivities for the participating countries, all fans and the media.

Globe Arena capacity is between 14,000 and 16,000 spectators, with a press centre for more than 1,500 journalists located at the Hovet venue.

Jon Ola Sand, the EBU’s Executive Supervisor for the Eurovision Song Contest, said: “We are glad that SVT has found a dedicated partner in Stockholm as Host City for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. With fresh memories of a successful contest in Malmö back in 2013, we are looking forward to once again taking the world’s biggest music show to new heights in Sweden next May.”

So far nineteen countries have announced their provisional participation but it’s not clear if Australia will be invited back after its one-off inclusion for the 60th event.

The Final will be May 14 2016.