GSS Navigator: Rocking the Island of Freedom

Wed, 02/11/2016

How I became a fan of the far-famed Sziget Music Festival. By Gabriella Kópházi-Toth, Senior Relationship Manager, GSS Hungary        

                                                                                                                     

It feels like only yesterday that I first saw reports about a so-called Sziget Fesztivál with its slogan The Island of Freedom on the Hajógyári Island in Budapest. Having seen broadcasts on TV about the rather rugged circumstances I had serious concerns about the state of affairs at such events: who on the earth would want to spend a whole week in a tent, particularly when there is ankle-deep mud outside? Who would like to queue up for having a shower in a mobile container while paying a significant amount of money for the stay?

After my visit this summer, some 20 years later, I realised I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The Sziget Fesztivál turned out to be a pleasant and joyful place, offering a wide range of music and cultural programmes, entertaining residents and foreigners, children and grandparents alike. I was really amazed by how much the infrastructure had been developed in the past couple of years, raising the Sziget Fesztivál to a high quality event, which we – Hungarians - are proud of.

Student event turns into rock festival

What started as an underground student event in 1993 has evolved into a full-fledged rock festival with half the attendees coming from all over Europe. Travelling to the festival grounds has been made effortless through designated international trains. Since the festival takes place on an Island, it also presents the opportunity to cool down with a quick dip into the Danube after a blistering hot day in the sun. Apart from the copious amount of performances, visitors have the opportunity to experience activities such as bungee jumping, rock climbing and indoor rowing just to name a few.

The first festival on the Hajógyári Island was organised in 1993 and since then it has been held every August. During the 24 years of its existence, this event has become an iconic, world-famous and award-winning music and cultural festival, attracting more and more visitors every year. In 2016 altogether 496,000 people entered the Island of Freedom, arriving from practically all parts of the world. Some of the high profile acts in previous years included Robbie Williams, Muse and Iron Maiden.

25th anniversary coming up

Organisers are already busy with preparations for the next Sziget Fesztivál, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2017. I am sure that next year’s event will outdo all previous ones – so come and dive into the melting pot with us!

 

Gabriella Kopházi-Tóth

Senior Relationship Manager

GSS Hungary

gabriella.toth@unicreditgroup.hu