Burgas will receive 20 million euros in state funding from the Bulgarian government to host the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2027.
The coastal city will stage the 71st edition of the European music competition on May 11, May 13, and May 15, 2027. The event marks the first time that Bulgaria will organize the contest.
The government led by Prime Minister Iliana Malinova Yotova allocated the 20 million euros to help the port city jumpstart its event preparations. Funding for the 2027 contest will be formally finalized after the state budget for next year passes in the autumn, following around 20 million euros allocated to contest organization this year.
Burgas is the fourth largest city in Bulgaria and a major economic and cultural center on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Bulgaria, located in Southeast Europe, joined the Eurovision Song Contest network through its national public broadcaster and has competed in the international event since 2005.
Security and government coordination
Security will be a central priority during the 2027 event in Burgas. Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov, who chairs the interministerial organizing committee, explained that the state will participate fully in managing the festival alongside five government ministries.
Hristov noted that Burgas defeated competing candidate cities due to its strong motivation and proactive approach. He also dismissed criticism regarding the choice of the coastal town, stating that Burgas operates on a solid economic model.
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual international television competition organized by the European Broadcasting Union. First held in 1956, the contest features participating European and international broadcasters presenting original songs performed live to millions of viewers worldwide.
Municipal preparations and staff schedules
Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov stated that the city council is committed to working without rest to ensure the event succeeds and leaves a lasting footprint across the country. Speaking to public broadcaster Bulgarian National Television, Nikolov confirmed that he cancelled annual vacation leave for municipal staff so workers can focus continuously on preparations.
Nikolov added that municipal teams are prepared to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if circumstances demand it. He described hosting the festival as a historic opportunity for Burgas and promised to deploy all necessary municipal resources to welcome visiting delegations, journalists, and music fans from across Europe.
The mayor highlighted that the contest will serve as an international showcase for Bulgaria and promote the attractions of Burgas and the wider Black Sea region. He stated that local authorities will do everything possible to ensure the 2027 contest is memorable and keeps Bulgaria in the global spotlight for years to come.
Venue adaptations and infrastructure
City organizers have already begun working on infrastructure, municipal mobility, security planning, and accommodation capacity. Arena Burgas has been selected as the official venue for the contest, though the indoor arena will require technical adjustments to its sound, acoustics, and logistics systems.
The municipal council is preparing reinforcements for local public transportation and expressed confidence in the region's hotel capacity to prevent accommodation shortages. Summarising the city's approach, Nikolov said Burgas stands for love, smiles, hospitality, and the sea, expressing confidence that the town will present a positive image of Bulgaria.
Arena Burgas is a modern multi-purpose indoor sports and entertainment venue opened in Burgas to host large international events. Host broadcaster Bulgarian National Television, founded in 1959, will handle the technical production and transmission of the three live broadcasts to European Broadcasting Union member networks.
Upcoming organizational milestones
Bulgarian organizers have set key deadlines for the upcoming preparation phase. Before August 30, officials will announce the creative team responsible for the show, including the executive producer, creative director, and showrunner who will shape the artistic and visual identity of the edition.
Before October 10, organizers will present the proposed budget and financial model to secure the economic viability of the event. The announcements mark the formal beginning of Bulgaria's countdown to May 2027.
