Eurovision 2025 is officially underway, with thousands of fans arriving in the Swiss city of Basel for this year's contest, following non-binary star Nemo's groundbreaking win in Malmö last year. Now, a new host of acts will take to the stage to represent their countries in a bid to win the coveted Eurovision trophy, as well as having the right to host the competition next year.

As well as taking place in a new city, this year's Eurovision will also see a number of new flag rules come into play. While the rules for fans bringing flags into the arena have been relaxed, they have been tightened for artists and delegations. The new policy states that participants many only bring their own country's official flag to any Eurovision 2025 event, including the live shows.

Artists will only be allowed to bring out one flag during the traditional flag parade at the start of this year's grand final on Saturday (May 17).

The rules prohibit the artists from bringing any other flags with them on stage, including pride flags and flags of other countries.

The limitations come into force inside designated official areas, such as the main stage, the green room and the turquoise carpet.

"Outside these official areas, delegations are subject to the same flag rules as the general public: all flags permitted by Swiss law are allowed. This means that different expressions of personal, cultural or regional identity remain possible," a spokesperson from the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation said.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), who organise the contest, have said that the new policy is "designed to create clarity and balance", and shared that they expect artists and delegations to follow the rules "in good faith".

However, Eurovision fans have been left frustated at the updated flag policy, with many slamming the exclusion of pride flags in particular.

"Isn't Eurovision for the gays?" one person wrote on Instagram, with another adding: "The gayest competition of all time banned gay flags? It's like if they banned drag queens from RuPaul's Drag Race."

A third said: "Really regressing fast," while another disgruntled fan shared: "Eurovision is meant to be about peace, love, and unity. This is none of that."

The Eurovision Song Contest continues with the second semi-final on Thursday, May 15 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Grand Final will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer