Denmark’s journey to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is set to begin with a historic twist: for the first time, the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix (DMGP) will be held in Frederikshavn. The northern port city will host the 56th edition of the national selection on Saturday, 14 February 2026, at Arena Nord. A week later, on 21 February, the same venue will welcome the children’s MGP competition.
This move marks a significant milestone for Frederikshavn, with Arena Nord’s director, Per Malmberg, describing it as “the biggest event we’ve ever hosted.” DR, Denmark’s national broadcaster, will occupy the venue for over two weeks, requiring approximately 1,000 overnight stays in the city. The arena aims to accommodate up to 3,000 attendees for each show, with ticket sales expected to commence in September 2025.
The selection process for DMGP 2026 will involve eight songs, determined through a combination of 50% public voting and 50% jury assessment over two rounds. The winner will represent Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Austria, following the country’s victory in 2025 with JJ’s “Wasted Love.”
For aspiring young talents, DR has opened applications for MGP 2026, inviting children aged 8 to 15 to submit original songs. The application deadline is 27 August 2025, and submissions must include a self-written song performed in Danish.
Frederikshavn’s mayor, Karsten Thomsen, expressed immense pride in hosting the events, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase the city and boost local businesses. The community anticipates a vibrant celebration of music and unity during the winter festivities.
For more information on the events and ticketing, visit DR’s official site and Arena Nord’s event page.
