CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, will celebrate its 70th anniversary on 1 October 2024 with an official ceremony at the CERN Science Gateway in Geneva. The ceremony will be an opportunity to look to the future and the next 70 years of particle physics at CERN.

Several VIPs, including heads of state and government, are confirmed to attend, such as Dr. Fabiola Gianotti, Director General of CERN; Princess Astrid of Belgium; Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission; Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Italian Republic and Viola Amherd, the President of the Swiss Confederation. 

The official programme times are:

1030 – 1230 GMT (1230 – 1430 CET): Access, credential and security checks.
1230 GMT (1430 CET): Satellite transmission begins for Global Distribution
1245 GMT (1445 CET): Family photo
1300 – 1430 GMT (1500 – 1630 CET): Official ceremony takes place
1430 – 1600 GMT (1630 – 1800 CET): Additional time for interviews.

Additional information and media kit can be found here.

Coverage of the ceremony will be available free of charge on satellite around the world over Europe, MENA, Asia and the Americas. Book your participation by clicking on Book Now, and follow the prompts after clicking on "Participation +".

The ceremony will also be available on demand on our Newsdirect platform shortly after the completion of the event by clocking the "CERN 70th Anniversary" event. You can contact our News Events team for any support needed for downloads from Newsdirect.