Host broadcaster ORF has released fresh updates about the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, including the first look at the Postcards, information on ticket sales, and details about the volunteer programme.
A first look at the Vienna 2026 Postcards
This year, each Postcard starts with the artist looking at an Austrian postcard while standing in their home country. The camera then “moves” inside the postcard itself, placing the artist directly into Austrian landscapes. It ends with a selfie moment frozen on screen, pinned like a real postcard.
ORF has commissioned Gebhardt Productions to create all Postcards, which will also be printed as real collectible postcards available for fans. Filming began in October to capture Austria across multiple seasons.
This idea also nods to history as the world’s first “correspondence card” was sent from Austria-Hungary in 1869.
Ticket sales: registration phase begins soon
With demand expected to be extremely high, ORF will use a multi-stage ticketing system similar to major international events.
- Fans will first complete a registration phase, designed to stop bots and resale abuse.
- Only those registered will be able to buy official tickets later.
Full details on registration and ticket sales will be published on Monday 24 November across Eurovision and ORF’s official channels.
Up to 800 volunteers for Vienna 2026!
ORF is looking for around 800 volunteers to support the event across several key locations, including:
- Wiener Stadthalle (Media Centre, info points)
- Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz
- Vienna International Airport
Volunteers will work between 1-17 May, covering rehearsals, live shows, and public events. Good German and English skills are required.
Registration officially opens Monday 1 December at songcontest.ORF.at, with pre-registration already available.
A green and accessible Eurovision
ORF aims to host one of the most sustainable and inclusive editions of Eurovision to date.
In terms of sustainability, the broadcaster is working to meet two Austrian Ecolabel certifications:
- Green Event
- Green Producing in Film and Television
Some measures will be:
- Powering the venue mainly with the Stadthalle’s own solar energy
- No continuous diesel generators
- Strict waste-separation systems
- Eco-certified catering with seasonal and fair-trade products
- Efficient material transport and reduced emissions
On the other side, when it comes to accessibility, the 2026 contest will feature:
- International Sign Language music signing for all competing songs
- Live subtitles, Austrian Sign Language interpretation, and audio description on ORF ON
- Accessible facilities at Wiener Stadthalle and public viewing areas
ORF previously set a milestone in accessibility in 2015, and aims to go even further for Eurovision 2026!
“A festival for everyone”
ORF General Director Roland Weißmann summarised the broadcaster’s ambition:
“The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is something very special. We are working at full speed to inspire all of Europe, offer unique shows, and create a festival for everyone.”
Austria’s Eurovision Journey
In 1957, Austria made their debut into the Eurovision Song Contest, where Bob Martin represented the landlocked nation with the song “Wohin, kleines Pony?”. At the close of voting, it managed to place 10th overall. Since their debut, Austria has participated 56 times (being in the final 49 times), and have won the competition on two occasions in 1966 and 2014.
For 2025, JJ was internally selected to represent Austria with their song “Wasted Love”. In Basel, JJ qualified for the final, where he then went on to win the contest after receiving 436 points from the Juries and Televotes combined.
What do you think? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: EBU
Photo Credit: Corinne Cumming / EBU
Rory Gannon 
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