Long live the Benidorm Festival. This sentence summarizes the growing interest in a music contest that continues to evolve, with expectations of another standout year in 2024. The Generalitat, RTVE, and the City Council formalized a tripartite agreement this Thursday, confirming ongoing cooperation to stage the event for the coming years.
The Consell president, the president of RTVE, and the mayor of Benidorm led the public display of the alliance between administrations aimed at organizing the festival’s third edition. The event details for this year include two semifinals on January 30 and February 1 and a grand final on Saturday, February 3, to be held at Palau d’Esports L’Illa in Benidorm. Nuria Montes, Generalitat Minister of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, attended alongside regional deputies and local officials, while RTVE’s Director of Communications and Engagement moderated, highlighting Benidorm Fest as a driving force within the music industry and a catalyst for cultural growth. Info source: RTVE
Expressions of support were clear as the partnership was celebrated. The mayor affirmed satisfaction with past progress and outlined a strong commitment to music through the alliance, hinting at many editions to come. The president of the regional government echoed a similar sentiment, stressing that Benidorm Fest has ample room to grow in ambition and reach, a sign of the city’s enduring vitality and commitment to the arts. Public remarks, regional authorities
An agreement signing took place at El Castell de Benidorm, a venue tied to the competition and set against a scenic sea backdrop. Ruth Lorenzo, who will host the galas alongside journalists Marc Calderó and Ana Prada, spoke about facing the challenge of presenting a live show. The tenth anniversary of her Eurovision participation adds a personal layer to the moment, and she conveyed enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute in a new role, directing premieres. Lorenzo highlighted the passionate Eurofans and the warmth of Benidorm’s audiences, noting that the festival serves as a platform where artists across the country can gain visibility and connect with broad audiences. Ruth Lorenzo interview
Benidorm Fest is described as a singular musical spectacle in the country, with twelve days of activity ahead. Projections point to a record edition, strengthening the success of prior years. The mayor emphasized Benidorm’s essential role in shaping the festival’s brand and its daily musical life, a city where music remains an everyday presence. While early estimates avoid precise economic figures, the impact is regarded as incalculable yet undeniably positive for the music community and the 16 selected artists aiming for the grand prizes, including the Bronze Microphone and the Crystal Microphone, which will be awarded in the Eurovision final in Malmö, Sweden, on May 11. City press release
RTVE’s president framed Benidorm Fest as a turning point, noting how quickly tickets for premieres sell out and how the festival’s influence has translated into the Eurovision final’s peak audience figures. The public’s enthusiastic response to participating songs is expected to drive even greater engagement across major music platforms. RTVE announcement
Ruth Lorenzo: “The warmth of Benidorm Festival audiences is unparalleled”
The signing occurred at El Castell de Benidorm, a venue closely linked to the festival’s current activities, where Lorenzo discussed her feelings about hosting live galas and the challenges of staging a live show. The anniversary of her Eurovision journey adds significance to this moment, and she expressed excitement about a new role in directing premieres and trusted belief from organizers. Lorenzo spoke to fans about the support from Eurofans and the broader community, underscoring that the festival’s success goes beyond competition and serves as a powerful showcase for Spain’s diverse musical talent.
She described the audience warmth as a defining feature and encouraged participants to give their best, viewing the festival as a catalyst for artist visibility and audience engagement across varied genres. The sentiment was that the event would uniquely connect with audiences and highlight a wide range of talents. Ruth Lorenzo remarks
Prior events and ticketing for Benidorm Fest
Preparations for the galas began on January 6 at the Palau d’Esports l’Illa in Benidorm, with a team of about 300 RTVE operators transforming the arena into a futuristic entertainment venue. The design centers on a circular floor stage with a central screen and tunnel access, complemented by an expansive high-resolution LED display. A separate area houses the Green Room, the jury table, and related backstage spaces, all within a 475 square meter zone. A dedicated on-site viewing area is arranged near the stage for the audience, with additional seating on the stands around the venue. The overall footprint spans roughly 680 square meters for common areas. Venue specifications
During the festival week, RTVE, the City Hall, and the Generalitat coordinated a series of events to attract Eurofans and enrich the experience. On the same Thursday, tickets were announced for the opening party at Benidorm Palace on February 28, while Euroclub tickets for the KU nightclub event were set for January 31, and a free concert was announced for Plaza de la Hispanidad on February 2, featuring artists including Blanca Paloma, Rosa López, Gonzalo Hermida, and Sharonne. Event schedule release