From May 1 to 4, Prague’s islands and dozens of clubs throughout Prague will be part of a varied load of unheard musical tones. The traditional United Islands of Prague music festival takes place here. During this year’s four festival days, the audience will be able to listen to the greatest musical discoveries of the European twenty-seven countries. Artists from France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Slovenia, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden or the Faroe Islands will perform outside the domestic scene. In addition to musical discoveries, visitors can also enjoy interesting workshops, lectures, live podcasts, talks and sports activities. The festival is traditionally free for all visitors.
United Islands of Prague will take place in Prague for the twenty-first time this year. During four days, more than a hundred artists from all over Europe will perform on the stages. On Wednesday, May 1, for example, a Polish singer and producer will gradually appear on the stage Baasha Slovenian pop-rock band LPS or Hungarian Freakin’ Disco, whose music has such power that it shoots visitors into space. The Czech scene will be represented by the rock band Glad For Today.
The second day of the festival will focus mainly on domestic talents, which the United Islands will give space through the club night. This year, it will spread to 10 different stages across Prague’s clubs. In addition, there will be a concert against xenophobia on Strelec Island Symphony for Humanityon which he will also perform, among other things Ben Cristovao and Sofian Medjmedj.
Friday’s program will bring music fans a varied palette of performers across Europe. For example, the Irish indie-pop duo will certainly be among the biggest foreign attractions 49th & Mainthe German team carries great expectations Lonely Spring, who plays hyperkpunk and was in the German Eurovision final, shitpunks have the potential to be a sensation Joe & The Shitboys from the Faroe Islands, and the band Good Times Only will carry the domestic music banner, for example.
The final day of the festival – Saturday, May 4th, will be primarily characterized by daring bookings and talents who are currently selling out club halls across the country. Among them undoubtedly belongs, for example, a native of Starč in Vysočín Horns and the recent winner of the Angels McGeewho last year moved and excited the fans and professional community with the sensitive album “About Dad Who Fell Asleep”, the djent-core sensation will also get a chance to draw more attention to himself Several.
“I believe that after the festival this year we will all add new musical discoveries to our playlists. I am convinced that the music program this year is perhaps the best in all these years. I am glad that we have invited young dramaturgs who are closest to our audience to our team. I believe that this year’s festival will really find something for everyone,” says the producer of the United Islands of Prague festival Martin Voňka.
From May 1 to 4, the artists will perform on 23 stages, either on open stages on Strělecké ostrov, Slovanské ostrov near Žofín or on Janáček nábřeží, or in 10 clubs, to which the Thursday club scene is also returning this year. For the first time ever, the festival will visit, for example, Ďáblic, Holešovice, Palmovka, Anděl or Jižní město. Traditionally, it will be played at, for example, Jazz Dock, the Chapeau Rouge club or the FAMU club.
During all festival days, the popular non-musical program Islands of Inspiration will not be missing. This year, the dramaturgy of the entire non-musical program was undertaken by the team of the association Thanks, that I can, which is behind, for example, the traditional event held every year on November 17 on Národní třída. The presentation of the embassies as part of the celebration of 20 years of the Czech Republic in the EU, live podcasts, a special exhibition Opráski českí historje, staged readings with Adam Gebrian, Ladislav Zibura and many others or a great debate about twenty years without borders are definitely worth mentioning. Interesting organizations, human rights initiatives, associations from Prague 1, workshops, museums and cultural institutions will also get their space. There will also be a rich gastronomic offer, food trucks and bars with a wide range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
“We are glad that the United Islands of Prague festival invited us to create a non-musical program. When implementing it, we use our many years of dramaturgical experience and put it together in such a way that it is as beneficial as possible for visitors of all age categories.” adds to the creation of a non-musical program Ester Valtrováprogram manager of the association Thanks that I can.
The United Islands of Prague Festival would not have been possible for the last twenty years without the constant support of the City Hall of the City of Prague and the city districts of Prague 1 and Prague 5. Important partners of the festival include the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the ČEZ Group, Serge Borenstein, the Transport Company of the Capital City of Prague, Stavební sporitelna ČS, KPMG, Pražská Plynárenská, Philip Morris and others.
“Prague is a city of culture, and our long-term goal is to support musical events of various genres. Over the years, the United Islands Festival has established itself as part of the cultural life in the capital. This year, it is also underlined by the anniversary of the accession to the European Union, with which it is connected,” says the mayor of the capital city of Prague Bohuslav Svoboda.
“Our part of the city is already the center of events due to its nature and location. United Islands of Prague is a diverse, international event that celebrates music and culture from all over Europe. It perfectly represents the creative spirit of Prague 1.” says the mayor of Prague 1 Terezie Radoměřská.
“I greatly appreciate that the United Islands music festival returns to Prague 5 every year. I am all the more pleased that this will be the case again this year, when this great holiday of the multi-genre European music scene in Prague is framed by the twenty-year anniversary of the Czech Republic’s entry into the EU and Prague 5 will be there again!” says the councilor for culture of the Prague 5 district Stephen Rattay.
“The ČEZ Group has been supporting Czech culture for a long time – from visual arts to theatre, film and music of many genres. We are also happy to help launch the careers of young artists. That is why this year we have decided to support the traditional United Islands festival, which offers exactly such an opportunity, says Milan Záhorka, head of CEZ Group’s sponsoring department.
The patronage of the festival was accepted by the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský, Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák, Minister of Defense Jana Černochová, Mayor of the Capital City of Prague Bohuslav Svoboda, Deputy Mayor Hl. of the City of Prague Jiří Pospíšil and the Mayor of Prague 1 Terezie Radoměřská.
More on www.unitedislands.cz and www.facebook.com/unitedislandsofprague.
