After securing its first Eurovision victory with Darina and "Bangaranga" in Vienna, Bulgaria is preparing to host the Eurovision Song Contest in May next year, reports RTS.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev congratulated Darina for her professionalism, dedication, and talent, as well as the Bulgarian public service and the entire team, according to Bulgarian National Television (BNT).
“In the coming weeks, I will invite all of them to the Council of Ministers with the relevant ministers to clarify the funds required for next year's preparations and how to organize these preparations so that Bulgaria can present itself with dignity,” said Radev.
Four Cities Compete to Host Eurovision
Four cities have expressed interest in hosting the Eurovision Song Contest next year. Besides the capital, Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas are interested, according to BNT.
Sofia boasts two airport terminals and the "Arena Sofia" sports hall, where the Junior Eurovision Song Contest was held in 2015. The arena can accommodate around 12,000 spectators, and up to 18,000 during concerts.
In Plovdiv, authorities suggest the Botev stadium, but note that it needs reconstruction.
Varna has a venue with a capacity of about 6,000, while Burgas can host nearly 15,000 spectators.
Along with the venue size, the hotel capacity and proximity to transport infrastructure are also considered when selecting the host city.
The exact date for announcing the host city will be known after the first meetings between BNT and the European Broadcasting Union.
This is a huge moment for Bulgaria! I can't wait to see which city will host it, but Sofia's "Arena" makes it a strong contender. Can you imagine the excitement when it all comes together next May?