Sziget Festival 'To Start New Chapter', Police Arrests at Island of Freedom in Budapest
- 14 Aug 2024 8:44 AM
- Hungary Matters
The Sziget Festival is starting a new chapter, the event's chief executive said, noting a recent announcement that US private equity fund KKR is purchasing Superstruct Entertainment, the company behind various European music festivals.
Tamás Kádár said the final day of the 30th Sziget on Monday was essentially sold out, with the concert of Skrillex and Fred Again… on the main stage, and a total of 400,000 festival-goers turned up this year.
He noted an increase in passes sold in advance at a discount, adding that demand by Hungarians had also grown.
The programme has adapted to the average age of festival-goers, he said, which had got younger in the past ten years. Whereas Kylie Minogue and Liam Gallagher attracted a somewhat older audience, the biggest stars included Stormzy, Bebe Rexha, Janelle Monae, Sam Smith and Raye, Kádár noted.
He also said that Sziget was endeavouring to promote up-and-coming Hungarian performers as well as established stars, mentioning Azahriah and Beton.Hofi, who also played on the main stage this year.
Besides the music and other offerings, he noted improved facilities and catering units, including blocks of flushing toilets, digital information boards and a greater number of drinking fountains.
Police Arrest 10 People on Suspicion of Substance Abuse at Sziget Festival
Police arrested 3 people on suspicion of drug trafficking at the Sziget Festival, and 7 for possession and substance abuse, the official police.hu website said.
Police have seized 150 pills, 156g dust, 50g crystal and other substances, the statement said.
Police have also arrested seven people for vandalism and four for theft. They catered for medical assistance to 10 people and recovered two vagrant children.
During the festival held between August 7-12, authorities were monitoring road and water traffic, as well as taxis in the area.
Besides Hungarian policemen and security personnel, two Dutch uniformed officers also patrolled the festivals, according to a statement.
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