As expected, the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in the Greek capital Athens. Host broadcaster ERT and the European Broadcasting Union confirmed this. Earlier, various Greek media rumoured the contest would take place in the northern city of Thessaloniki or even on one of the many islands.

Some Greek politicians stated that Athens already had its promotion during the 2004 Summer Olympics and that it's “another city's turn now”. However, the joint decision of the EBU and ERT is to host the 51st Eurovision Song Contest in Athens, which has several modern Olympic venues, infrastructure and a proven ability to host events of this size.

The preliminary dates for the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest are 18th (semifinal) and 20th (final) May, 2006.

Welcome to Athens!