The European Broadcasting Union has postponed the Eurovision Song Contest Live Tour 2026, citing “unforeseen challenges” that organisers say could not be resolved despite months of preparation. In a statement, organisers said they had made the “difficult decision” to delay the tour and apologised to fans who had already purchased tickets.
“To the thousands of fans who bought tickets, thank you, we will ensure you will be refunded in full as soon as possible”, the statement said.
The EBU added that it intends to relaunch the Live Tour at a later date, once it can guarantee the “world class experience that our fans expect”. Its focus, it said, remains on delivering “an incredible Eurovision Song Contest in May”.
The now-postponed tour had been announced as a centrepiece of the Eurovision Song Contest’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Designed to bring the competition closer to fans across Europe, it was set to feature 10 artists performing in 10 cities in June and July 2026.
Former Eurovision acts from the past seven decades were due to appear alongside 10 singers from the 2026 Grand Final. Audiences had been promised a mix of classic hits, new songs, fan favourites, and surprise appearances, with the line-up changing from city to city. The full list of performers was to be announced after the Grand Final on 16 May.
The arena tour was scheduled to visit major European capitals and venues including London’s O2 Arena, Hamburg’s Barclays Arena, Milan’s Arena Milano, Zürich’s Hallenstadion, Antwerp’s AFAS Dome, Cologne’s Lanxess Arena, Copenhagen’s Royal Arena, Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome, Paris’ Accor Arena, and Stockholm’s Avicii Arena.
The project was unveiled by the EBU as a new way to extend the Eurovision experience beyond the televised final in Vienna, which has already sold out. Organisers said at the time that fans who were unable to secure tickets for the Vienna shows would have the opportunity to experience the atmosphere in their own countries.
Despite the setback, the EBU confirmed that the 70th anniversary shows in Vienna will go ahead as planned. A total of 35 artists are set to perform to record sell-out audiences in the Austrian capital, with hundreds of millions of viewers expected to tune in worldwide.
Further details on refunds and any potential rescheduling of the Live Tour are expected in the coming weeks.
