Music fans will flock to Malmo next May for the next instalment of the Eurovision Song Contest, organisers have announced.
Sweden won the right to host the 2024 contest after Loreen emerged victorious in Liverpool with her track Tattoo, holding off competition from its Nordic neighbours Finland and Norway.
Loreen made history at the event, becoming the first woman ever to win the contest more than once, and moving Sweden to the top of the all-time rankings, with seven victories.
Liverpool held the competition on behalf of Ukraine this year, which couldn’t hold it due to the ongoing Russian invasion there.
Malmo, in the very south of Sweden, will host the contest for the third time, having last held it in 2013 – which was also the year after Loreen won for the first time.
It was chosen after a bidding process in Sweden that looked at accommodation and facilities for delegations, journalists and broadcasters, as well as the thousands of travelling fans that will visit the city.
Martin Österdahl, the head of Eurovision, said organisers are “thrilled” with the decision, adding: “We’re excited to be returning to this vibrant and dynamic city which has demonstrated it has the venues and infrastructure that are perfect for staging the world’s largest live music event.
“Malmö’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and innovation aligns perfectly with the spirit of the competition.
“Furthermore, its compact size and well-developed transport infrastructure means everyone involved in the Contest, including delegations, media, and fans will be able to navigate the city easily.
“Its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives also aligns perfectly with our own values.”
Stockholm and Copenhagen have also hosted the contest three times, with only London, Luxembourg City and Dublin having held it more.
While the host city has been announced, other countries will be slowly kicking their preparations into gear over autumn and winter, with many not selecting entrants until the new year.
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The UK will be hoping to avoid the bottom of the leaderboard once more in 2024, after Mae Muller came second-to-last in Liverpool, despite being an early outsider to win.
Early rumours suggested Sophie Ellis-Bextor has been tapped up to perform at the contest for the UK in 2024.
Liverpool was seen as a successful host city, selling out nine arena shows while thousands of others packed bars and pubs around Merseyside to watch, including at the official fan zone which screened the shows live a matter of yards from the venue.