The city of Lisbon is gearing up to host the forthcoming 2018 Eurovision Song Contest next year, the clock is ticking and the days are flying.

30,000 visitors expected in Lisbon

Both Portuguese national broadcaster RTP and the City of Lisbon are working round the clock in order to showcase a stunning and extraordinary show come May.

Portuguese news portal DN.pt reports that 30,000 visitors are expected to land in the 2018 Eurovision host city next May during the Eurovision period.

Lisbon will be embracing the Eurovision Song Contest with open arms as its the very first time that Portugal and its majestic capital will play host to our beloved contest. A total of 43 countries will be partaking in next year’s Eurovision edition, mobilizing over 30,000 people.

The 63rd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will be organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in partnership with RTP in Lisbon; more than 2,000 professionals related to the contest and 1,500 journalists are expected to land in the Portuguese capital, as well as 30,000 fans and visitors.

Events during Eurovision

Visitors and fans coming to Lisbon will be thrillled to know that the city is planning a massive social program in order to keep everyone well entertained.

Lisbon’s iconic Praça do Comercio will be transformed into the Eurovision Village and will operate daily from 4-13 May between 15:00-23:00 local time.

Visitors will be able to able to experience live shows, performances, entertaining cultural events, the broadcast of the 3 Eurovision live shows (semi-finals and grand final) on a giant screen, street animation and other activities.

The party spot for Eurovision fans will be none other than the EuroClub which will be located in a nightclub on the shores of the Tagus River.

The official kick off of the competition is scheduled to be held on 6 May when the 2018 Eurovision competing artists, delegations and TV commentators will partake on the parade at the Blue Carpet Ceremony at the MAAT.

Security during Eurovision

Security measures for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon will be exceptional, according RTP’s Program Director Mr. Gonçalo Madaíl.

Speaking to the Lusa news agency in November, Gonçalo Madaíl commented:

The security protocol of an event of this size will be followed, and there will be not only the private security of the event itself, but also public security. Security will be noticed, not only at the Parque das Nações, but throughout the city.

Gonçalo went on to to say that the security measures could also entail the closure of traffic in various streets in the city during the Eurovision period.

Ticket sales

Eurovision 2018 tickets will be sold in various waves. The first two waves consisting of tickets for the Grand Final have concluded. Tickets for the semi-finals (8-10 May) will will be sold after the draw that will group countries per semi-final (to be held in January 2018).

Who will follow Salvador’s footsteps?

The 2018 Portuguese Eurovision representative will be determined on 4 March during the Grand Finale of 2018 Festival da Cançao (FdC) in Guimarães.

A total of 26 songs will be battling for the golden ticket to Lisbon in the 2018 Portuguese national selection. Celebrated Portuguese composers are partaking in the competition next year: Benjamim, Minta, Capicua, Jorge Palma, Diogo Piçarra, João Afonso, Miguel Ângelo and Tito Paris.

RTP is yet to reveal the names of the competing acts at the 2018 FdC. The competing composers are responsible to select the

The 2018 Festival da Cançao will consist of 3 shows; (2 semi-finals) scheduled to be held on 18, 25 February and the grand final on 4 March. All shows will be aired live on RTP 1 and RTP International (via satellite).

The 2018 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held on 8, 10 and 12 May at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal.