Senior participants gear up for Eurovision in Basel with a thrilling over-60s disco event
Rewritten Article:
Over a thousand senior citizens grooved and sang along to tunes spanning several decades, at a special event designed to bring the older generation into the Eurovision Song Contest celebrations. Taking place in the Swiss border city of Basel, the city hosting this year's edition of the much-anticipated extravaganza, a series of side events have been arranged, with an elder-friendly disco being high on the list.
Calling it a "highlight" of the Eurovision, Liz Gilbert, a 64-year-old attendee, radiated excitement as she donned her vintage '70s outfit. "It's usually just on television, so having it here in our hometown is amazing," she shared with AFP.
Two dance floors hosted the festivities, with one side pumping out Swiss tunes in German, French, and Italian, while the other blared throwing back 60s to 80s rock and pop favorites from the Rolling Stones, The Monkees, Chubby Checker, Boney M., Wham!, and ABBA. With women outnumbering the men, a sea of over-70s swayed and twirled on the dance floor, letting loose to classic hits.
"We're here to party like it's the 70s and bringing people together from all over Switzerland," explained Celine Koenig, a spokesperson for the Pro Senectute organization for the elderly, who helped organize the event. Tickets priced at nine Swiss francs ($11) had party-goers flocking in.
"Being older doesn't mean socializing stops," said Dominique Guerdat, 67, who came with her gym group. "We're having the time of our lives, dancing, laughing, seeing people, and enjoying great music from our era!" her friend, Carmen Deillon, 61, chipped in.
Even with not as many attendees dressed up in disco-style outfits as Deillon had hoped, the energy was palpable, and the assembled guests faced the music with gusto. Eurovision 2025 host broadcaster, SRG, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that this party gives senior citizens a chance to mingle and enjoy music and dance.
Winning the right to host the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Swiss vocalist Nemo belted out "The Code" for the victory. The kitsch celebration is being held at the St. Jakobshalle indoor arena, with the semi-finals on May 13 and 15, and the grand finale on May 17.
Although this year's Eurovision is taking place, the city of Basel, Switzerland, has hosted previous Eurovision events, including the inaugural contest in 1956 and again in 1989, attesting to the nation's enduring love for the spectacle.
Additional Insights:
- Eurovision organizers are actively engaging older audiences by organizing events like the over-60s disco.
- Past and present Eurovision Song Contest events in Basel demonstrate Switzerland's commitment to the celebration, catering to diverse demographics, including the older generation.
- Despite the focus on fashion-and-beauty typically associated with Eurovision, the over-60s disco event in Basel emphasized home-and-garden, relationships, and entertainment, with a sea of senior citizens dancing and singing to classic hits from the '60s to '80s.
- At the elder-friendly disco, senior citizens embraced food-and-drink as they flocked to the event, enjoying great music from their era and creating a vibrant, lively lifestyle.
- As Eurovision organizers continue to cater to diverse demographics, sports and lifestyle enthusiasts can expect more events like the over-60s disco, fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebration among senior citizens in future editions of the Eurovision Song Contest.
