What is the theme of Eurovision 2026 and who – or what – is ‘Auri’?
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is held from May 12 to 16. (George Hochmuth/Getty)
Eurovision has returned for 2026 with a new theme for its 70th edition, alongside a brand-new mascot called Auri, which takes the place of last year’s equally peculiar creation, Lumo.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, after Austrian singer JJ won last year with his operatic ballad, “Wasted Love”.
The contest will feature 35 countries and culminate with a live show in the Wiener Stadthalle on Saturday, 16 May.
This year, the Eurovision motto is “United by Music – in the Heart of Europe.” Eurovision has repeatedly positioned itself as a LGBTQ+ inclusive and brilliantly camp outing for musical talent.
However, in recent years, not everyone has felt truly “united” for the show. Several countries have withdrawn from this year’s contest because Israel’s participation was allowed, despite the war in Gaza.
Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain will be boycotting. It’s the largest number of boycotting countries in the contest’s history since 1970.
For 2026, the UK are pinning their hopes on Look Mum No Computer’s “Eins, Zwei, Drei”, which is already making history as the first song in UK Eurovision history to not be sung entirely in English.
However, according to betting odds, Finland is the favourite to win. Finland’s act is a duo: classical violinist Linda Lampenius and pop star Pete Parkkonen.
Meet Auri: The Eurovision 2026 mascot
As Eurovision shifts from Switzerland to Austria, the show is accompanied by a new mascot, RIP Lumo, gone but not forgotten.
For Eurovision 2026, the mascot is a fluffy, pink and purple being named Auri, who is, thanks to the creator’s colour choice, giving off strong bisexual vibes.
It’s unclear exactly what sort of creature Auri is, slightly bear-ish in appearance with four-fingered hands, but they also wear trainers.
Auri is described as a “colourful ambassador who conveys openness, respect, and the joy of togetherness.”
Auri is also said to spread a clear message: “to believe in yourself and pursue your dreams with the support of family and friends.”
The mascot is aimed at children, with a children’s book published alongside the Eurovision contest.
Auri – The Show of His Life was penned by Austrian presenter Yvonne Lacina-Blaha and features illustrations by Styrian artist Herwig Holzmann. The book, aimed at children aged 7-12, follows Auri’s journey to the Eurovision Song Contest stage.
When is Eurovision on TV?
The Grand Final and the Semi Finals will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer plus via BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
Eurovision 2026 will take place in Vienna, Austria, from May 12 to 16. It is scheduled to consist of two semi-finals on 12 and 14 May and a final on 16 May 2026.
