More than 45,000 visitors filled Prague’s Strělecký ostrov, Slovanský ostrov, Václav Havel Square, Janáčkovo nábřeží and ten clubs throughout Prague from Wednesday to Saturday. During the four festival days, more than a hundred artists from all over Europe performed on 23 stages. This year, the main stage was built directly on the Vltava at the tip of Strelec Island, so it could be seen from Charles Bridge.
The first day of the festival was in the spirit of European values. At the festival in the presence of President Petr Pavel, Vice-President of the European Commission Věra Jourová, representatives of the government, European institutions and ambassadors of the EU27 to celebrate 20 years of the Czech Republic in the European Union with dignity. On Thursday, the second day of the festival, artists and fans sent a clear message during the Symphony for Humanity concert that Prague is a place where xenophobia and stereotypical condemnation of others is not tolerated.
Among the biggest names at this year’s United Islands of Prague were British singer-songwriter AJ Wonder, Hungarian Freakin’ Disco, Austrian girl group Dives, Slovenian pop-rock band LPS, German group Lonely Spring, Polish singer and producer Baasch, shitpunk Joe & The Shitboys from the Faroes islands and also the recent winner of Anděl MC Gey and the Czech rapper Rohony. Among other Czech performers, Good Times Only, Glad For Today, Severa, Jay Delver and Cringe Prince also appeared on the stage. Up-and-coming bands from Prague 1 also got their space on the big stages, and dozens of non-profit organizations presented themselves as part of the non-musical program. Architects Adam Gebrian and Štěpán Hon read their books, for example, and journalist Ondřej Kundra, actor David Prachař, traveler Ladislav Zibura, David Miřejovský or Darja Stomatová from Czech Television and many others appeared in live podcasts and debates.
“We managed to transform the dramaturgical line of the festival. We connected with a young group from Klubovna and gave a chance to stand out to young talents from all over Europe. I was surprised by the show of the Slovenian band LPS, McGey was also great, and the show of Ben Cristovao and Sofian Medjmedje during the Symphony for Humanity concert, when they played with the Unique Orchestra, had an amazing atmosphere.” says the festival producer Martin Voňka.
“After twenty years since the Czech Republic joined the European Union, we feel the importance of annually commemorating this significant milestone in our history. Many thanks to everyone who participated in the important Symphony for Humanity concert. I am convinced that the United Islands of Prague festival has clearly shown that it is one of the essential cultural events in Prague.” adds the second producer of the festival David Gaydečka.
The 22nd edition of the United Islands of Prague Festival will take place on May 1-3, 2025. The festival date will remain at the beginning of May, as the goal is to turn Labor Day into an annual celebration of Europe.
Tags: United Islands Prague Festival filled Prague islands kicked season
