Local & Spanish

Benidorm confident that the 2026 Benidorm Fest will be “a spectacular edition”

Benidorm / 5 December 2025

The Mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, has expressed his firm belief that the 2026 edition of Benidorm Fest—scheduled for February—will be “a spectacular event”, reaffirming the City Council’s full commitment to a festival that “already has its own identity and a loyal audience”.

Despite the recent announcement that Spanish Radio and Television (RTVE) will not participate in Eurovision 2026, Toni Pérez stressed that this decision “rests solely with RTVE” and “does not diminish the enthusiasm, confidence or commitment” behind Benidorm Fest.

He confirmed that the Benidorm City Council, together with the Valencian Government and RTVE, continues to work “with absolute dedication” to ensure the event reaches new heights.

The Mayor added that preparations are already well underway:

“We are redoubling our efforts to deliver a spectacular edition, where Spanish music will shine once again. We are working to ensure that 2026 is the best Benidorm Fest yet.”

Toni Pérez highlighted that Benidorm Fest remains a major platform for musical talent:

“Benidorm Fest is a powerful showcase. With it, our music has a unique space for development, promotion and success.”

The City Council maintains that the festival will continue to consolidate its position as one of Spain’s most important music events, regardless of Eurovision participation.

The BBC has officially confirmed that the United Kingdom will take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, ensuring the nation’s long-standing presence in one of the world’s biggest music events continues. The announcement brings reassurance to fans following speculation about the UK’s future involvement, and preparations are now underway to select the next British entry. As one of Eurovision’s most recognisable and influential participants, the UK’s return guarantees strong international interest and maintains its commitment to supporting new music, creativity and cultural celebration on the global stage.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Benidorm confident that the 2026 Benidorm Fest will be “a spectacular edition”

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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