Eurovision Song Contest fans can’t wait for the competition to kick off in May, but they won’t be seeing an iconic flag from the show on stage – because it’s been banned
The Eurovision Song Contest is caught up in controversy after banning an iconic item from the much-loved show. Fans can’t wait for the annual extravaganza to kick off in Switzerland in May, which hosts the glitzy competition from the city of Basel.
For years, many singers representing their countries have flown their Pride flags, which represent the LGBTQIA+ community, with pride at the contest. However, updated rules state they will only be allowed to fly their country’s flag on stage, which is ‘in line with other international competitive events’. The Pride flag will also be banned from the Green Room, Eurovision Village Stage, the Turquoise Carpet at the Opening Ceremony and the Flag Parade. However, audience members can still wave them, proudly.
An official statement provided to the Metro reads: “Together we wanted to strike a balance to ensure that our audiences and artists can express their enthusiasm and identities, whilst at the same time provide more clarity for the delegations when it comes to official spaces.
It added: “Outside of these official spaces the flag policy for delegations is the same as for audiences, where all flags permitted under Swiss law can be used, including Pride flags, and provides plenty of opportunities for the expression of everyone’s identities.”
Last year’s winner Nemo – who shot to fame in the contest in Malmo, Sweden, smuggled a non-binary pride flag to the parade after being refused by Eurovision officials.
They told the show’s press conference: “I had to smuggle my flag in because Eurovision said no, but I did it anyway, so I hope some people did that too. But, I mean, come on, this is clearly a double standard.”
The updated flag policy allows fans who can use ‘all flags and banners’ in official Eurovision spaces as long as they don’t ‘violate’ Swiss laws.
This means any promoting racist and discriminatory content, including symbols that incite hatred or violence; flags containing symbols of banned terrorist organisations and flags that can be considered offensive or defamatory.
This year, the UK is represented by country girl band Remember Monday, whose tune What The Hell Just Happened? could, hopefully, make a big impression in Switzerland.
Comprised of three best friends, Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, Remember Monday are hoping to impress with their performance, which is being staged by creative director Ace Bowerman, who has worked with stars, including Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran.
The chirpy trio are no strangers to singing live having all had careers in musical theatre before they quit their day jobs and become full-time band members in 2023. They have appeared in the likes of The Phantom of the Opera (Holly), Mary Poppins (Charlotte) and Matilda (Lauren).
* The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Basel, Switzerland (CEST) on Tuesday 13 May (First Semi-Final), Thursday 15 May (Second Semi-Final) and Saturday 17 May (Grand Final) 2025.
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