This year’s Valley of Arts festival will have a new location to stage up-and-coming bands, and expanded free parking. For this 28th annual running, the usual cornucopia of cultural delights will be on offer, with more than 1,500 events at 28 large and 40 smaller locations. The event runs from July 20 to 28.
This summer, the quiet streets, farmhouses and green fields of Kapolcs, Taliándörögd, and Vigántpetend will be transformed into a buzzing kaleidoscope of fairs, cultural events and concert stages, creating a festival that is homely, colourful and crowded – but mostly free and friendly.
As for music, this year’s festival will feature foreign acts such as DePhazz, Rebecca Ferguson and Triggerfinger, alongside Hungarian ones including Margaret Island, 30Y, Quimby, Fran Palermo, Elefánt, Blahalouisiana and Anima Sound System. Jazz lovers can enjoy a selection of Hungarian and foreign performers at the Veronika Harcsa Garden, while the Kőbánya Garden will house rock legends and young talents such as Ivan and the Parazol, Carbonfools and Mary Popkids.
Classical music, including organ performances, chamber music and musical stand-up, will find a home in the churches of Kapolcs and Vigántpetend. Two gardens will also pay tribute to folk traditions.
Theatre plays will be provided by the National Theatre, the Academy of Drama & Film in Budapest and the Katona József Theatre, while the Hungarian National Film Archive will screen rare pieces. Literature will also be present with renowned Hungarian poets and writers. TEDx talks will also be organised around various scientific topics.
Children find plenty of things to do all around the festival, while grown-ups in need of a little exercise can join in yoga classes and various sports competitions.
Once again, the team of Hello Wood will be in charge of design elements. Culinary delights will be provided by the craft fair, while MOL Nagyon Balaton’s Wine Garden will be offering quality local wines.
