The 70th Eurovision Song Contest grand final has arrived, and fans are elated. This year, the competition is being hosted in Vienna after Austria’s entry, JJ, won with the operatic song Wasted Love " in 2025.

Eurovision has again seen controversy after five nations, including the Big Five’s Spain, pulled out of the competition in protest following Israel’s qualification due to the nation’s ongoing military action against Gaza.

Look Mum No Computer is representing the UK with his track Eins, Zwei, Drei, and will be hoping to bring Eurovision glory to us. Here’s the lowdown on the Eurovision 2026 start time and what will be happening in the grand final.

The grand final takes place at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna, and the show starts at 8pm British Summer Time in the UK or 9pm Central European Summer Time.

British Eurovision fans can watch the grand final on BBC One or BBC iPlayer, or stream on YouTube.

A total of 25 countries are competing in the final after this week’s two semi-finals saw 10 countries knocked out at the last hurdle.

This year, 35 nations took part in the competition, and the final will be broadcast by all the participants.

The countries that made it through the semi-finals were entered into a draw, which saw them placed in either the first half or the second half of the Eurovision grand final, or get Producers’ Choice, which means the programme-makers will decide their place from the remaining spaces in the show.

Austrian presenters Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski are hosting the final.

While Eurovision commentating legend Graham Norton returns to serve up his witty insights on the final.

The show will be opened up The Queen of the Night act, which will see reigning champion JJ showcasing his remarkable vocal abilities as he seamlessly blends Mozart-inspired elements with his own contemporary music.

The Eurovision grand final opener will feature more than 40 dancers and acrobats, as the 25 Grand Finalists are introduced in the iconic flag parade.

This year’s UK Jury Spokesperson will be singer and Strictly star La Voix, who will reveal the points given out to the other countries.

The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will be airing tonight on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm BST