The 24th Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be held on Saturday 24 October
We have a destination for JESC 2026!
On Friday 15 May, one day before the 70th Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, it was announced that Malta’s national broadcaster, Public Broadcasting Services (PBS), will host the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
The Contest will return to Malta for the first time since 2016, when the island last staged the event in Valletta, delivering a vibrant and memorable show that celebrated young musical talent from across Europe and beyond. PBS also hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2014.
The 24th Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be held on Saturday 24 October at the MFCC venue in Ta’Qali which will be transformed into a vibrant Eurovision Festa Village!
PBS are inviting fans to “unite with us for a unique celebration where Mediterranean tradition and the future of music unite under one sky. It’s music, it’s joy, it’s a festa …. it is the Junior Eurovision Song Contest!”
This immersive experience will merge the UNESCO-recognized Maltese ‘Festa’ heritage with world-class production, turning the arena into an “explosion of happiness” for the youth of Europe.
Malta has long been one of the most successful nations in Junior Eurovision history, winning the Contest twice – in 2013 with Gaia Cauchi’s The Start and again in 2015 with Destiny’s Not My Soul.
The country has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the Contest, both on and off the stage, making it a natural choice to welcome fans and delegations from the Junior Eurovision family once again.
Martin Green, Director of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, said:
“We are thrilled to be bringing the Junior Eurovision Song Contest back to Malta with PBS. Malta has an exceptional track record in the Contest, not only in terms of its successes on stage but also as a host broadcaster that understands how to create a world-class event for young performers. We know that PBS will once again deliver a spectacular show that captures the creativity, diversity and spirit at the heart of Junior Eurovision.”
Keith Chetcuti, Chief Executive Officer of PBS, added:
“Malta is Eurovision’s biggest fan and ally and therefore it is our biggest honour to be chosen as the host nation for this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest. This event is a celebration of our warmth and heritage, and we look forward to making this a landmark event. Malta is not only ready to host such a prestigious event but also committed to keep building its relationship with EBU and our colleague Members.”
Further details, including the full participant lineup, will be announced in the coming months.
Now in its 23rd year, Junior Eurovision continues to provide a unique platform for young artists aged 9 to 14 to showcase their talent on an international stage, bringing audiences together through music, creativity and cultural exchange.
Lou Deleuze won the 2025 edition of Junior Eurovision for France. The 11-year-old triumphed with Ce Monde, securing France a record-equalling fourth victory.
