After trekking across Budapest from the comfort of our hostel, leaving our last ‘sanitary’ toilet experience behind us, we finally reached the holy multi-coloured bridge that the led us to the Island of Freedom. Sziget Festival.
Taking up almost all of Hajógyári Island, this festival is well and truly huge, and full to the brim with art, music, fun and frolicks. The whole thing feels rather like a giant patchwork quilt, formed of millions of different patterns and styles. It is truly another world. A world where you go from Jazz and chess, to House and laser light shows, to art and TED talks in one graceful, but chaotic, swoop.
Despite it being nearly impossible to find somewhere to pitch the tent (a slight flaw in the liberal free-for-all vibe of the festival) we finally managed to pitch up and explore.
Wherever you look there are decorations and art installations and an unnerving amount of furniture constructed from crates (there’s even an entire ‘tent’ made of them!). You’ve got to give them props for the effort: it’s one of the best-decorated festivals I’ve ever been to.
It’s not hard to fall right into the relaxed, ‘free’ mindset in this environment, as you can quite literally do whatever you want, whenever you want.
There are music stages, yes, but Sziget is evidently much more than just a music festival, it is an opportunity for adventure. You’re encouraged to explore and try everything you can before the acts start at the leisurely time of 4pm, and, on your arrival to the festival, you’re given a Sziget passport with an area dedicated to stamping/checking off all of the activities on the island. So there really is oodles on offer.
Whilst the acts lined up for the first day weren’t particularly sparkly, there was still plenty to do and lots to peruse. We strolled along pathways lined with shops, sculptures and dance areas, and took in the atmosphere.
And then…. The heavens opened. Of all the things that you’d expect to happen at an international festival, raining isn’t one of them. Nevertheless, sheltering in the Sports Village, where they were playing the Olympic coverage on the big screen, someone, somewhere playfully began playing ‘Purple Rain’ over some stage speakers, and I couldn’t help but giggle and think to myself: “This festival is going to be one of the best experiences I’ve ever had”
Let’s just see what it has to offer! Keep your eyes on The Indiependent for daily updates.
Photos courtesy of Rockstar Photographers