Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna: First Information on Ticket Sales

Despite the ongoing debate among the member countries of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) regarding Israel's possible participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, preparations for the major event in Vienna are progressing at full speed. ORF Director General Roland Weißmann is optimistic about a record participation at the 70th ESC.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna: EBU to decide on Israel's participation in early December

The decision on the Israel issue is expected to be made at the EBU General Assembly on December 4th and 5th. ORF Director General Roland Weißmann, who met with President Isaac Herzog and representatives of the local broadcaster Kan during a trip to Israel earlier this month, reiterated Austria's position that Israel should participate in Vienna. After all, the ESC is an event for public broadcasters, not countries. Therefore, in his view, it is clear: "Israel is naturally included."

Weißmann hopes for record number of participants at Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna

Overall, his goal is clear, and they are now working behind the scenes with diplomatic means: "We are promoting the 70th Song Contest with as many member countries as possible. And I am optimistic that we will have a record number of participating countries." The aim is to surpass the previous record of 43 countries at the ESC. It is certain, for example, that former ESC participants like Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova, who had temporarily withdrawn, want to be on board in Vienna. And regarding Canada's interest in participating, Director General Weißmann made a clear statement: "Hooray, hooray - Canada!"

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna: Ticket registration from November 24th

For fans, the crucial dates are approaching. "There will be 90,000 tickets available for sale," Weißmann announced. Transparency is crucial, which is why a two-stage system is being implemented. On November 24th, registration for ticket purchase will begin on the EBU and ORF websites. Only in the second - still undisclosed - phase can tickets for the three (semi)final shows and the dress rehearsals be purchased.

Volunteers and dancers sought for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna

What is also being sought in the foreseeable future are the volunteers who will take care of the guests and spectators during the actual event. "We need about 800 volunteers who are our face, our voice to the outside world," said ESC Executive Producer Michael Krön. In two weeks, registrations for interested parties will start on eurovision.orf.at before selections are made. Social skills and ideally language competence are desired. In addition, professionals for the stage are needed, according to Krön: "We are looking for dancers as stand-ins." These act as doubles for the participants during the rehearsal phase. A casting will take place here from December 18 to 20.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna: Casting for Austria Pre-Selection Coming

Already this weekend, an initial casting of about 30 candidates for the 12 spots of "Vienna Calling," the Austrian pre-selection, which will take place on February 20, will be held. In the show, moderated by Alice Tummler and César Sampson, a professional jury and 50 percent of the audience will vote.

Filming for Postcards at Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna Underway

Work is still being done on the traditional postcards, the clips shown before each act. Here, it's back to the roots, as ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz announced. Filming is already taking place at various locations in Austria. The individual acts will then be incorporated into the cards: "We will see Austria from its most beautiful sides."

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna Aims to Surpass ESC in Basel

The ORF's ambition for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in its own country is, of course, clear despite all efforts to save money, as Roland Weißmann made clear: "Basel was already really, really great. But we will honestly be able to surpass it."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.