Elderly people enjoyed a pre-Eurovision party, with a mix of disco music and photo opportunities.
In the heart of Basel, Switzerland, over a thousand seniors aged 60 and beyond, gathered this weekend for a groovy fete—a preparation party before the much-anticipated Eurovision Song Contest, set to unfold in just two weeks.
"This is the pièce de résistance of Eurovision for me," shared 64-year-old Liz Gilbert, who donned wardrobe reminiscent of the groovy '70s at the Saturday's bash. "Typically, it's all about the telly, but this is bloody amazing," she admitted to Agence France-Presse (AFP), appreciating the "kick-ass music" that made the event a blast.
As per AFP, the dance floor was dominated by women, with some bottle-dancing senior citizens over 70 putting on quite a show. Various tunes from the '60s to the '80s filled the air at this nostalgic soiree. According to Celine Koenig, spokesperson for Pro Senectute, the event's organizers, they were there "to pay homage to the discotheques of yore and bring people from all over Switzerland together for some fun times."
The first semi-final takes place on May 13, followed by the spectacular final on May 17. The Portuguese act NAPA will belt out their number, 'Deslocado', during the first round.
Take a gander at the images in the gallery above.
Interestingly, this pre-contest event comes as the competition faces a ban on artists showcasing LGBTQ+ flags during the actual contest[2].
In light of Switzerland earning hosting rights due to Nemo's 2024 victory, Basel was chosen for its robust infrastructure (such as the 12,400-seat St. Jakobshalle) and cultural vitality[1][4]. Various events like the Eurovision Village, EuroClub, and Turquoise Carpet ceremony at Messe Basel offer opportunities for performances, networkings, screenings, and cultural immersion[3][4]. These events extend the contest beyond mere televised shows, creating a week-long spectacle of music and diversity[1][3].
- Liz Gilbert, a 64-year-old participant, remarked, "This is the ultimate Eurovision experience for me."
- The event's organizer, Pro Senectute's Celine Koenig, stated, "We are here to celebrate the disco era and foster connections among Swiss seniors."
- While expressing her joy, Liz also mentioned, "It's not just about watching on TV, it's about the incredible live music and outdoor-living experience."4.Comparing the pre-contest party to the actual event, Liz said, "I wish the Eurovision Song Contest could be like this every year, with a blend of home-and-garden culture and a vibrant streetside gathering."
