(Hip hop kemp 2007)

Prague, May 2007 So what do you want to do these coming summer holidays? Have a rest from school or work, see some new places, make new friends, have fun? You can do all of these things at open-air festivals in the Czech Republic. Music of all genres, home-grown and international stars and a relaxed atmosphere is guaranteed at all of these events.

The 13th Rock for people festival (www.rockforpeople.cz / www.rockforpeople.com) will take place at its usual time (4.–6. 7. 2007), but at a new venue, the Festival Park in Hradec Králové. From a regional festival this event has grown into a one of the most prestigious in the Czech Republic and all central Europe. This year over 120 bands from 20 countries will perform on 7 stages. Some of the main draws at this year’s festival are the group THE KILLERS, the best rock group of 2006 according to MTV, synthesised music pioneers BASEMENT JAXX, the Swedish guitar band THE HIVES and FLIPSYDE from California. The festival has also attracted other big names such as TOY DOLLS, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY and the LEVELLERS, and top acts from the world of Czech music will also be there. In addition to increasing the number of stages, the new venue will also offer a number of side activities (extreme sports, an internet café, a Game Zone, chill out zones and, new for this year, a crèche). Tickets: booked in advance – 740Kč, bought on site – 900Kč (32 euros).

The 6th Colours of Ostrava festival (www.colours.cz) will take over the centre of Ostrava July 12 – 15. The festival will last for 4 days and will feature overseas and home-grown talent playing a variety of genres from world music to rock and alternative. The biggest stars this year will be Goran Bregović with his Wedding and Funeral Band, the Gipsy Kings from France and the singer Marianne Faithfull. However, the Colours of Ostrava is not just about music as there will also be dance and theatre performances and special entertainment for children. The Colours Plus project will be a new feature for this year. Festivalgoers will also be able to take advantage of a number of discounts at the festival, on public transport in the city and at Ostrava’s various cultural institutions (www.ostravainfo.cz). Tickets: booked in advance - 750Kč, bought on site 890Kč (32 euros).

The biggest international open-air rock festival in the Czech Republic, Masters of rock 2007 (www.mastersofrock.cz), will take place July 12 – 15 at the Rudolf Jelínek distillery in Vizovice for the fifth time and will feature acts from 14 countries. The headline acts this year are the legends of rock Motörhead, and the Finnish band Children of Bodom and Stratovarius will give their only concert in Eastern European this year. Another treat will be the premiere of ‘Metal meets Classics’ by Rage and the Byelorussian Philharmonic Orchestra. Legends of rock Uriah Heep, Sepultura and Hammerfall will act as reminders of the good old days of rock music. Tickets: booked in advance - 950 Kč (www.pragoconcert.com), bought on site – 1,100Kč (39 euros).

The Folk Holiday is an unusual music festival which takes place in Náměšť nad Oslavou (www.folkoveprazdniny.cz). For eight days (July 21 – 28) you will have the chance to attend several events at the same time: the Folk Holiday music festival itself, a large festival of music, dance, art and textile workshops and a mini-festival for amateur musicians called Open Stage. This will all be taking place in the idyllic setting of Náměšť’s Renaissance chateau and park and in the historical town centre. This year, acts from Norway (Mari Boine), Scotland (Salsa Celtica), the USA (Galumpha), Slovakia, France, Hungary and the Czech Republic will take turns to entertain visitors.

The multicultural SázavaFest has become very well known since it was first held in 2001 (www.sazavafest.cz) in Kácov. Performances by tens of groups guarantee a multi-genre festival set to take place August 2 – 5. The group Kosheen from Bristol will play their only concert at a Czech and Slovak festival this year on August 3, and the wonderful voice of former Morcheeba star, Skye Edwards, will soothe audiences’ ears August 2. The event will also feature popular Czech formations J.A.R., Tata Boys and Kryštof. Tickets bought on site will cost 900Kč (32 euros).

An event bearing the wonderful title of Vizovické trnkobraní will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year August 17 – 19 (www.vizovicketrnkobrani.cz). The festival is well known for welcoming all genres to its stage: rock groups, pop singers, world music bands and DJs have all been invited to perform. Many people associate this special festival with Wallachian slivovitz and the ‘internationally renowned’ plum-filled dumpling eating competition.

Sporting the subtitle Open Your Mind, the 11th Summer Of Love dance festival (www.summeroflove.cz), will take place this year August 18 at the Pardubice Racecourse (Pardubice Hippodrome). The festival focuses exclusively on the latest dance music, and a colourful blend of progressive trance, techno, electro, drum ’n’ bass, house and nu-rave will take over the 5 main and 2–3 side stages. Audio Bullys, Ellen Allien & Apparat, DJ Joiris Voorn and The Glimmers and Phil Kieran will all be first-timers in the Czech Republic. The latest technology, huge TV screens and lasers guarantee a visual feast.

Eurotrialog Mikulov (www.eurotrialog.cz) is a popular event among those who aren’t too fond of mainstream music. August 23 – 26 will see performances by the eighty-member ensemble Mandelbrotovy Kostičky, the Persian singer and Grammy winner Susana Baca and the guitar virtuoso Štěpán Rak. The organisers have promised that the Friday evening’s events will be rounded off with a Czech-Irish knees-up with The Hogs and Václav Koubek. A ticket for two days will cost 340Kč (12 euros).

Hip Hop CAmp (www.hiphopkemp.cz) invites all hip hop fans to the Festival Park in Hradec Králové August 24 – 26. Performing on the main stage will be Non Phixion, Little Brother and Guru; the Global Station will be dominated by the legendary DJ Krush from Japan. The B-boy stage has seen changes this year, and now over 1,000 spectators will be able to watch French breakdance ensemble Vagabonodos, champions of the last international Battle Of The Year 2006. Between shows you can rest in the pleasant lounge, play table football or make your own postcards. Tickets from www.hiphopkemp.cz can be purchased until the end of July for 895Kč (32 euros).

Other music festivals:

• A Night Full of Stars (www.nocplnahvezd.cz) is exactly what the festival Třinec (June 29 –30) will offer. There will be performances by Alan White and the Finnish group Waltari, a popular act in the Czech Republic.
• Around Třeboň (www.okolotrebone.cz) is a festival taking place this year June 29 – July 1. In addition to the music, audiences can also look forward to the Třeboň Cycle Race and the Jára Cimrman Run (a fictitious Czech scientist and explorer) with participants wearing winter coats and carrying suitcases.
• The Festival of the Sun (www.festival-slunce.cz) will illuminate Strážnice July 13 & 14. Rock and folk acts will play to audiences in the chateau park.
• Great performances by well known Czech bands and singers are guaranteed at the Benátská noc festival at Malá Skála (www.benatskanoc.cz) July 27 – 29, and the cult Trutnov Open Air Music Festival (www.festivaltrutnov.cz), taking place this year August 16 – 19.
• Dance round the clock at the Hradhouse Boskovice festival (www.hradhouse.cz). 35 DJs on 5 stages will not give you even a moment’s rest August 11.
• The Holidays in Telč festival will take place in the unique surroundings of the UNESCO-listed town (www.prazdninyvtelci.cz). This year, all fans of good music can look forward to July 27 – August 12.

Tickets for all the above festivals can be purchased through www.ticketpro.cz, www.ticketportal.cz and www.ticketstream.cz