This year Hungary’s most popular premium event MasterCard® Balaton Sound has been calling fans to Zamárdi Beach for the seventh time. Sziget Cultural Management started the event in 2007 with the purpose of bringing new quality to the Hungarian festival scene, introducing genuine and modern programs and international stars on the most beautiful spot of Lake Balaton. Balaton Sound quickly became popular and after a few years it boasted several full-house days – it occurred for the first time in Hungarian festival history that weekly passes were sold out in advance.

“We were handed ‘Europe’s Best Medium-Sized Festivals’ award this year in the Netherlands. This year’s explosion of interest is perhaps due to this recognition and of course the success in recent years. As result, we only have 1000 passes available for the public, which will certainly be sold out within a few weeks.” – said Norbert Lobenwein, main organizer of the event.

The 7th occasion marks a time of renewal in the life of Sound as well. Most importantly, the extraordinary success story is now associated with a title sponsorship of card company MasterCard, which had been present for a long time at the festival with MasterCard® PayPass™ and Maestro® PayPass™ brands. “Our partnership with Sziget Cultural Management has been going on for several years and we had many exciting initiatives during this period.

For two years visitors had been able to pay with closed-loop cards only and since last year they are allowed to use MasterCard® PayPass™ or Maestro® PayPass™ bank cards. We are proud that the MasterCard Balaton Sound also carries the name of this successful collaboration.” – commented András Hemberger, General Manager at MasterCard Europe.

PayPass technology significantly reduces the time required for payment, which is not only fast but also comfortable. What is more, as cardholders use their bank account for payment, there is no need to top up their balance.

"In 2013, several benefits will be attached to cards, watches or stickers with PayPass function that are available for owners of MasterCard PayPass or Maestro PayPass products only. For example, we provide VIP line access for visitors who show their MasterCard or Maestro PayPass, dedicated Wi-fi or PayPass camp with pre-registration. Therefore it is worth for every festival visitors bringing along their MasterCard PayPass or Maestro PayPass card!” – added Piroska Pataky, Marketing Manager of MasterCard Europe.

There will be some other changes in the venues as well. “It has been very important to deliver more to our audience than the average and expected quality. Therefore we build spectacular bars, custom-made installations and impressive locations. We strive to meet the increased expectations this year with new attractions. First, we will concentrate on the main attraction of the festival, the surface of Lake Balaton with new elements, floating islands and piers.

On the other hand, MasterCard Main Stage will receive a brand new, surprisingly grandiose look, which will be complete with unique scenery of several show elements as well as a nearly half thousand square meters projector.” – said Zoltán Fülöp, also main organizer for Balaton Sound.

The organizers would like to draw visitors’ attention to purchase MasterCard Balaton Sound tickets only from official outlets, because entrance will not be possible this year either with tickets available at the black market.

More information and tickets available: www.balatonsound.com