RTSH, the Albanian national broadcaster, has confirmed to ESCToday the dates for the forthcoming Festivali i Këngës.

Earlier this month, RTSH, the Albanian national broadcaster confirmed to ESCToday its participation at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest.  The broadcaster has also kicked off preparations for Eurovision 2018 and opened the submission window for the 56th Festivali i Këngës.

The 2018 Albanian Eurovision national selection aka the 56th Festivali i Këngës is scheduled to be held at the Pallati i Kongreseve in Tirana on 21, 22 and 23 December. Thus Albania will select its Eurovision act and entry on 23 December. Adi Kastra will be hosting the Albanian song festival on  all 3 nights.

• 21/12: Semi-final 1
• 22/12: Semi-final 2
• 23/12: Grand Final

Albania in Eurovision

Albania debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004 and is yet to win the competition. The country achieved its best result in the contest in 2012, when Rona Nishliu placed 5th with Suus in Baku.

In 2017, Lindita Halimi represented Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv with World. Despite an extraordinary performance, she failed to qualify to the Grand Final.

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