70 Years of Eurovision Honored in Douglas

The upcoming Manx Music Festival will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest with a special, one-off competition class. This unique addition to the festival, known locally as the Guild, invites adult participants to perform a song previously entered into the international competition. The festival itself, a long-standing tradition on the Isle of Man since 1892, showcases solo singing, choirs, and spoken word performances.

For the 2026 event, competitors in the new class can choose to perform their chosen Eurovision song in its original language. Whether singing solo or as part of a group, participants are encouraged, though not required, to embrace the festive spirit with costumes. This special class highlights the enduring legacy of the European Broadcasting Union's iconic song contest, which began in 1956.

The deadline for entries into this distinctive Eurovision-themed class is January 31, 2026. The week-long Manx Music Festival is scheduled to take place at the Villa Marina in Douglas from April 25 to May 2, 2026. Festival organizers note the event's growing popularity and the challenge of fitting all performances into a single week.