Tim Routledge – Lighting up Eurovision

What does it take to light one of the most complex live broadcasts in the world?

We caught up with Tim Routledge of @Tim Routledge Design, the creative force behind the Eurovision Song Contest lighting design, to get an inside look at the process behind the spectacle.

From managing vast teams across multiple departments to balancing the intense daily routine of rehearsals and live shows, Tim shares how collaboration sits at the heart of Eurovision. With dozens of national delegations contributing to the overall production, the design is never created in isolation—it’s a dynamic, evolving process that brings together creative visions from across Europe.

Now designing Eurovision for a third time, Tim reflects on how those first experiences shaped his approach today—refining workflows, embracing scale, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with lighting technology.

And while months of planning and pre-visualisation set the stage, there are always elements that only truly come alive in the moment—when the arena is full, the cameras are rolling, and millions are watching.

It’s this blend of preparation, collaboration, and live energy that makes Eurovision unlike anything else.