4 Aug

“Opera” state-of-the-art with Vincent Cassel @ nationwide cinemas Hungary

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainments, Hungary.. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

 

“Opera!” will be shown nationwide in art cinemas with Vincent Cassel in an important supporting role, distributed by Pannónia Entertainment Ltd.

A blend of classical film acting … traditional opera singing … both the music … special visual effects representing several eras at once, to the viewers.

Short summary … The Italian film tells the classic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice, adapted to the present day, while Vincent Cassel brings the character of the taxi driver, Charon, to life alongside the two main characters. Eurydice is fatally wounded by an unexpected gunshot at her own wedding. Her love, Orpheus, cannot accept the loss, so he sets off to the underworld to bring her back to the living. In this special adaptation, the underworld appears in the form of the mysterious Grand Hades Hotel, where Orpheus encounters strange figures and must confront his own fears and memories. His journey is accompanied by arias from world-famous operas, as the boundaries between love and death gradually blur.

The film is not a traditional musical, but a spectacular operatic fantasy, in which the story is told using well-known arias by Antonio Vivaldi, Giacomo Puccini and Giuseppe Verdi, among others. The visuals are made special by the costumes and surreal sets designed by Dolce & Gabbana.

So far the film has been shown in relatively few countries and what’s more interesting in Cassel’s homeland, France.  The musical scores go beyond classical operas and provide an interesting mix, as in addition to the aforementioned big names, songs from the synthpop of the 80s are heard, in our case with a transcription of one of Frankie Goes To Hollywood‘s hits, which truly combined the worlds of symphonic orchester and early electronic music with a truly brilliant sound mix.

The director duo has worked with a similar concept in opera houses and theaters in recent years, and they have now converted the experiences they gained there into the language of film.

This opera is raised to a new narrative and visual level in order to restore the declining popularity of lyrical storytelling to our days, i.e. they wanted to modernize and update the first libretto and address today’s generation in the language of pop with cinema. They created a blend of classical film acting and traditional opera singing, and both the music and the special and visual effects represent several eras at once, and the digital backgrounds and physical sets blend harmoniously with each other. The two main characters were chosen from hundreds of young opera singers.

This is the first production in Italy intended for direct cinema, which was shot almost entirely with virtual elements, at the Prodea Led Studio in Turin. This allowed the creation of visual world, which is key to depicting the dreamlike nature of the entire work. The creators aimed to get the most out of it, giving meaning and parallels to our time on several levels, while the technology also superbly supported the grandeur of the story itself.

This film brings classical Italian opera into a new era, while being both modern and respectful of tradition. Most probably, for those who have never heard the genre before, and/or for those who have been fans of it for a long time. It transfers the structure of the musical to the world of opera, creating a new film genre: the opera-musical.

Screenings can be found nationwide in selected cinemas with Hungarian subtitles from the 23 rd. of July, 2026. –  Duration time: 106-minute genre mix unique?

Age-restricted film above 16 yrs.

Recommendation by Aggie Reiter

3 Aug

Lenny Kravitz Concert @ Papp László Budapest Sports Arena – Hungary

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

Photo source – Hollywood Hall of Fame

Lenny Kravitz energetic concert on the 2nd. of August on the stage of the Papp László Budapest Sports Arena. One of me beside the thousand others were able to enjoy some Kravitz tunes from the 80’s for a good two hours.

Previous to Lenny Krevitz concert,  came De’Wayne’s 40-45 minute performance. Somehow the sound was not yet real for the first one or two songs, unfortunately, De’Wayne’s voice was muffled  through the air. Those sitting  fa from the stage in the back seats didn’t understand much of what he said.  Overall, said was that his childhood dream had come true, that he could travel the world around and even reach  to Budapest, and the audience welcomed him with a big ovation. With this, De’Wayne immediately set the mood for the evening in his welcoming speech.

According to the unanimous opinion of critics and the audience, the  62 yrs, rock icon is in fabulous shape, and despite the extra heat and the -10% reduced in use of air conditioning, he completely fulfilled the atmosphere and energy of the concert just went higher and higher. Kravitz played, lighted the fire from the first minute to the last, and despite the heat that hit the country, the spread the good mood to the audience. Not only his appearance, but also his voice did not catch up with his pasing time.

Then came Lenny Krevitz on stage, spoke about his sincere love for music. Lenny, inbetween one- an-other song remarked  several times during the evening that he could feel the huge flow of energy from the audience and appreciated it.

He thanked the audience for coming along in this devil heat and we believed him that he loved Budapest and considered each and every one of us presence as being his friend. It is very likely that not only Lenny Kravitz but everyone else was recharged with his 40 years of Fab songs during the two-hour concert in the Budapest Arena.

He introduced his fellow musicians …  Craig Ross who has been with Lenny since 1991, keyboardist George Laks, the wind instruments led by Harold Todd, and the rhythm section was made up of Hoonch “The Wolf” Choi and Jas Kayser. The latter has shown with his playing for two years that he belongs to the forefront among drummers.

As we got closer-and-closer to the finale song-by-song i.e. American Woman, Fly Away, Are You Gonna Go My Way and as an encore Let Love Rule were unmissable. For me,  beside others, the highlight of the evening was the song titled “Low” – you could feel its fantastic rhythm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0525AGe81w&list=RDBilaShsQphM&index=2

In just over two hours, we were able to go back through a four-decade tunes and oeuvre with Lenny Krevitz.

The departing crowd, filled with smiling faces, expressed their joy at being able to attend Lenny’s concert.

Unfortunately, it was not possible to take any snaps at the concert due to the management’s decision, so the pictures  will remain in those mind of those who attended Lenny’s concert.

Riport by Aggie Reiter

 

3 Aug

Day Zero! Sziget Festival! “Bring the kids!”

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainment, Leave a Comment. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

 

This year, Sziget is building on nostalgia on Day Zero: on August 10, performers such as Faithless, Morcheeba, Goran Bregović – and György Korda and Klári Balázs will return to the festival. The organizers aim to bring back to Hajógyári Island those who once grew up here as festival-goers – this time with their own children.

Many people would probably ask why this Sziget will be different from the ones before? Two decades later, the world has taken an interesting turn. The Sziget goers back then are often parents now, so the phrase has taken on a new meaning: now it’s more like “Bring the kids!” This year’s Day Zero is also based on this, which the organizers specifically intend for those for whom Sziget was once a defining part of their lives.

As Károly Gerendai – founder of Sziget, told “Q”: We want them to relive the feeling that made them fall in love with the festival. Now they can show their kids why it was so important to them.”
After the main stage programs, the party continues on the Revolut Stage, where the organizers will participate in a train game at the legendary Dance Song Festival tent to evoke its atmosphere. (The dancers form a chain like a real train and walk around to the music). György Korda and Klári Balázs will return after a long time, followed by Peti & The Hedlájnerz audio video disco, hosted by Péter Janklovics, this time as his new alter ego, Pietro Fabulos.

Of course, Day Zero is not just about reminiscing about the past. It is more about those who once had their first festival experiences on the Hajógyári Island, at the Sziget Festival, and now being able to pass them on to the next generation, this time even in their own with their children.

Entry to the Sziget Festival is free of charge for children under 11, but nessesary an accompanying adult and a separate children’s wristband required for children under 14.

Wristband: It is mandatory to collect a child’s wristband at the entrance, on which the name and phone number of the accompanying adult must be written.
Accompanying person: Visitors under 14 can only enter with an adult. Useful information for families.

Family camping: A separate fenced-off zone awaits families camping in the Siesta Camping area. It is worth bringing the children’s ID (e.g. student ID or passport) with you for entry.

Ariving around 4 p.m.there is room for a longer walk around the stages, some circus/theater program, at least one concert and an outdoor dinner until 9-10 p.m.

Festival-goers will be able to choose from more than 5000 programs at this year’s Sziget Festival.

Hundreds of music and art performers, workshops, sporty activities and eyecatching programs awaiting th visitors!

Reminder by Aggie Reiter

 

1 Aug

The battle ended with a calm of 250 boats reaching the finish line.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainment, Hungary., Lake Balaton - Hungary, sporty. Tagged: , , , , , , .

This  morning at 9 a.m., – 58th Kékszalag Raiffeisen Grand Prix officially ended with the expiration of the 48-hour time limit.

Despite the persistent calm and the heat, exactly 250 units out of 458 starters completed the distance. The last boat to finish was the Nauszikaa, which crossed the finish line in Balatonfüred just 8 seconds before the deadline. True to tradition, the absolute winner RSM team welcomed them at the finish line, paying tribute to their endurance with a sporting gesture.

András Holczhauser – Secretary General of the Hungarian Sailing Association, assessed the performance of the field as follows: “We are incredibly proud of the sailors starting on the Blue Ribbon, as more than half of the field reached the finish line, which, given the circumstances, in this heat and calm wind, is a huge sporting achievement and proves the kind of perseverance and determination needed to succeed in this otherwise beautiful sport.”

The successful completion of the Blue Ribbon in this technical, challenging competition represents an outstanding sporting value in itself, and perfectly reflects the preparedness of the Hungarian large-boat community.

On Saturday, the Blue Ribbon Festival, the Blue Ribbon Week, will reach its peak. íThe solemn awards gala will begin at 6 p.m. on Balatonfüred’s Gyógy Square and the week-long sailing festival will conclude with an authentic Balaton street ball from 8:30 p.m.

There was huge interest in this year’s Blue Ribbon. “Nearly 200,000 people watched the live online broadcast of the Telekom Live studio, which is a huge step forward, almost double the number of viewers last year. This is thanks to the level and excitement of the competition, as well as the professional, television-quality broadcast, in which showed the most exciting moments and spectacular images of the Blue Ribbon to the viewers with 34 cameras, including 5 drones, 3 broadcasting motorbikes, 16 onboard cameras and 7 party cameras,”  overall said by Csaba Fegyver – Telekom’s Director of Strategic and Key Projects.

Videos from the 58th Kékszalag Raiffeisen Grand Prix are available on the Telekom Live YouTube channel.

Update by Aggie Reiter

31 Jul

Up-to-Date: Dethronement on Lake Balaton, RSM won the 58th Blue Ribbon Raiffeisen Grand Prix

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainment, Hungary., sporty. Tagged: , , , , , .

After a thrilling 13 hours and 27 minutes of sailing, the RSM catamaran crossed the finish line first at the 58th Kékszalag Raiffeisen Grand Prix, winning the trophy for the fastest boat in the absolute category. This ended the Raiffeisen Audi Fifty-Fifty’s long-standing dominance, as the defending champion and Kékszalag record-holder catamaran took third place with a huge margin. The legendary 13-time Kékszalag winner Farkas Litkey came in second aboard Process Solutions.

The sailing battle on the Hungarian Sea several hundred boats started from Balatonfüred on Thursday morning brought a real tactical battle. Although the competitors were still greeted by fresh wind in the eastern basin of Balaton in the morning hours, it almost completely stopped in the western basin, which resulted in a continuous fight for position and changes in the leading position. The fate of the victory was finally decided on the section returning from Keszthely and then approaching the Tihany Strait. The RSM, led by Róbert Vándor, caught the coastal fresh air at an excellent pace, was the first to exit the Tihany Strait and from then on confidently maintained its leading position until the finish in Füred.

At the end of the extremely technical, becoming the light-wind race, a huge battle for the podium positions unfolded. At Tihany, even KÜRT – Team Kaáli and Team Suzuki were sailing ahead of Fifty-Fifty, but in the last three kilometers, in the increasing wind, Márton Józsa and his team accelerated and continuously overtook their rivals, so even if Fifty-Fifty did not win this time, they missed the podium.

Róbert Vándor – the three-time Blue Ribbon winner of RSM, told the celebrating audience on the shore that this was their most exciting Blue Ribbon so far “Q”: “The field was very strong, there were a lot of fast boats at the start, and it was terribly difficult to keep up with them.”

Although the fate of the trophy for the fastest boat in the absolute category has been decided, the 58th Blue Ribbon Raiffeisen Grand Prix is ​​only just beginning for the majority of the fleet of more than four hundred boats in the darkness of the night, where endurance and perseverance play the main role.

András Holczhauser – Secretary General of the Hungarian Sailing Association, assessed the first day of the race at the finish line as follows “Q”: “We saw an exciting race like never seen before in the fight for the title of absolute winner, but the Blue Ribbon is far from over, as countless boat classes are fighting for category positions and battling the elements, as due to the weak wind, a long night and lots of orphan mosquitoes still await the more than 400 boats out on Lake Balaton.”

Safe navigation is the most important task for the teams during the night. The race standings and the category battles can still be followed continuously on the intelligent GPS tracking interface at track.hunsail.hu, and through the television-quality live broadcast ensures uninterrupted images throughout the night on the kekszalag.hu website and the Telekom Live channel.

Update by Aggie Reiter

30 Jul

Lake Balaton – 58th Raiffeisen Blue Ribbon Grand Prix – July, 30 – August, 1. 2026.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Hungary, sporty. Tagged: , , , .

Reminder of today’s …  first half day of the 58th Kékszalag Raiffeisen Grand Prix

Tactical struggle … High wind at the start was expected

The field of 458 boats started off briskly on Thursday morning.  The sailing competition is held every year in the month of July under the Full Moon. And just yesterday was the bright Buck Moon. So even in the evening hours still on th lake to watch with pleasure the sailers  whom still on the water. The total distance of the race is overall 150 kilometers.

The first hours brought a particularly open fight: three or four catamarans were constantly changing the leading position. Sometimes RSM, sometimes Process Solutions were in the lead, but the pursuers were also constantly sailing within shooting range.

The fleet set off from Balatonfüred at exactly 9 a.m., in a 9 km/h northeasterly wind. The race distance was shortened to 155 kilometers as the crow flies this year due to low water levels, as the Keszthely buoy had to be moved 1600 meters east for safety reasons. Shortly after the start, a fierce kreuz battle broke out between the fastest: RSM, Process Solutions and KÜRT-Team Kaáli opened towards the north shore, while the crew of the defending champion Raiffeisen Audi Fifty-Fifty initially headed south, then they also turned north.

András Holczhauser – Secretary General of the Hungarian Sailing Association, assessed the period after the start and told: “Everything is fine, the field is sailing safely. The fresher than expected wind is definitely good for the race, the teams are sailing in a disciplined manner.”

Although the race director started to break the starting line after 11 a.m., a serious mistake was discovered by then, the Principessa Libera started three seconds before the horn. The team received a 45-minute time penalty in accordance with the rules. This development was especially painful in light of the fact that the unit broke a mast on the White Ribbon and they had to rebuild the boat with heroic work for today’s race. The penalty did not dampen their spirits either, they chased the catamarans as the first monohull, with the Lisa coming close behind.

At Alsóörs the wind weakened slightly, but the leading six-masted boat was still sailing at a stable speed of 7-8 knots. RSM, steered by Róbert Vándor, was the first to reach the Balatonkenese buoy in 1 hour 24 minutes 57 seconds, only 52 seconds ahead of Litkey Farkas and Process Solutions. Seventeen minutes later the first eleven boats had already passed the buoy, and shortly after 11 o’clock Taxi, sailing in 50th place, also successfully turned. By part noon 12.4 p.m. this number had increased to 150, and Loupiot, competing in the Yardstick I/2 group, completed the leg in 3 hours 1 second.

Siófok and the Tihany Strait: an intensifying struggle. After Kenese, the wind picked up again, and the race towards Siófok started in a better than expected,  with 8-10 knot northwest wind. RSM was driving at a speed of 11-13 knots with a gennaker, but Process Solutions also made a huge splash: the team hoisted its brand new gennaker, with which it began to work off its deficit. RSM was still in the lead at the Siófok buoy, but their advantage melted to half a minute before Process Solutions. They were followed by AUDAX Django, Raiffeisen Audi Fifty-Fifty, KÜRT-Team Kaáli and Team Suzuki. Meanwhile, the field of catamarans was reduced by one boat: POPLART was forced to abandon the race due to a torn sail and headed towards Tihany. Approaching the Tihany Strait, Process Solutions caught up with RSM, and Fifty-Fifty also clung to them tightly. RSM finally crossed the pipe first. An amazing atmosphere greeted the sailors from the shore: Márton Józsa and his escort motorboat reported that at the ferry port there was an announcer, applause and cheers waiting for the leading group.

Heading to the western basin … the Földvár thermal decided. As the boats crossed into the western basin, the Földvár thermal began to dictate the conditions. Both RSM and Process Solutions chose the southern shore tack, which proved to be more promising based on the meteorological wind map, while the northern side showed mirror-smooth water after Szárszó. Based on the meteorological forecasts, the afternoon leg to Keszthely promised to be a serious tactical puzzle. At 2 p.m. Process Solutions was in the lead, closely followed by RSM, with KÜRT – Team Kaáli in 3rd. Last year’s winner and record-holder Raiffeisen Audi Fifty-Fifty is moving closely behind the front-runners, in 4th place.

The real tactical challenge of the Blue Ribbon began in the western basin in the afternoon. Fortunately, all of this can be followed perfectly from the shore and in front of the screens: with the help of an intelligent GPS tracking system developed in collaboration with Széchenyi István University in Győr. the tactical moves and the real positions of the boats can be seen live on the track hunsail.hu website with centimeter accuracy. The professional visual experience is guaranteed by the television-quality live broadcast, realized with the support of Raiffeisen Bank. The broadcast, produced with a monumental crew, onboard cameras and drones, is continuously available on the kekszalag.hu website and the Telekom Live YouTube channel, so fans will not miss a single exciting moment.

Despite her early start and time penalty, Principessa Libera set the fastest pace in the monohulls. They were the first to take the Kenese buoy, and then they were the first to turn in the category in 2 hours 45 minutes – 29 seconds at Siófok. At Kenese, Lisa, Lillafüred and Sparta II followed them. In the legendary 75-class cruisers, Lillafüred and Nemere II fought a tough duel, their speed rivaling that of the catamarans in places. Tactical opinions were divided in the 70-class cruisers: Pannónia sought refreshment in the north, while Capella, Anna and Orpheus sought refreshment in the south. In the fleet of 50-class cruisers, Lizabella, steered by András Pálffy, led ahead of King Kong and Parti szél.

One of the youngest competitors, nine-year-old Mária Terézia Fináczy competed on board the latter. In the most crowded 8m OD class of 13 boats, Weight (Ákos Gyenes) was in the lead, choosing the south coast, while Harpia was in the lead in the jubilee 30th cruisers.

Upon press release

Update by Aggie Reiter

 

27 Jul

The 10th Independent Label Fair jubilee program series @ The House of Hungarian Music

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Budapest - Hungary, Entertainment.

Date & Time: Opening on the 4th of August, 2026, at 5.31 p.m. (on view through the 13th of September, 2026).

Location: In the heart of Budapest’s City Park  – Magyar Zene Háza (House of Music Hungary)

District XIV.2-5. Olof Palme promenade – Budapest

Budapest club culture of the 2000s is revived  with the 10th Independent Label Fair jubilee program series starts off with a photo exhibition (August, 4. – September ,13. 2026.

On  the 4th of August, the House of Hungarian Music will open at the  venue: Vakuvihar. The pixel-noise heroic age of Hungarian party photography in the early 2000s, a pop-up photo exhibition, which presents visual memories of Budapest club culture of the 2000s from the material of the era’s defining photographers and online archives.

The exhibition, which can be visited for free until September 13, is the introductory event of the jubilee, 10th Independent Label Fair (ILF), which will be held at the House of Hungarian Music on September 12 with the participation of nearly sixty independent Hungarian labels, with all-day musical and professional programs, as well as concerts.

For those riding to the advanture venue are informed that during the event, photographs, audio recordings, and/or video recordings may be taken. By attending the event, you consent to the recording of such materials through your implied conduct.

Info for those planning to visit mind you, The House of Music will be closed for summer break from the 10th till the 17th of August and will reopen on August 18. 2026.Reminder the program is held in Hungarian.

Reminder the program is held in Hungarian language.

Update by Aggie Reiter

26 Jul

Relics of the Queen Concert from ’86 @ Budapest – Hungary

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Budapest - Hungary, Entertainment, Europe, Relics of the Queen Concert from '86 @ Budapest - Hungary.

 

House of Music Hungary production @ the Lobby 10 a.m.

Tuesday August, 4. 2026.
Exhibition/Installation

Just 40 years ago at the Népstadion on 27 July 1986, Queen gave a large-scale concert at the Népstadion in Budapest – an event that counted as a real sensation in Kádár-era Hungary.

The accompanying installation connected to the temporary Freddie exhibition evokes the memory of the legendary show from 40 years ago. The installation on view in the Lobby brings the atmosphere of the concert to life with the help of tickets, posters, newspaper articles and photographs submitted in response to a public call.

One element of the installation features excerpts from video interviews in which the concert’s participants and organizers recall their personal experiences, further enriching this defining musical and cultural-historical moment.

A couple of dates for the lectures:

Thursday – August, 6. 6.30 p.m. – English

Thursday – August, 27. 6.30 p.m. – Hungarian

Thursday, September, 3. 4.30 p.m. – Hungarian

Thursday – September, 17. 4.30 p.m. – Hungarian

Thursday – October, 1. 4.30 p.m. – English

Thursday, October, 8. 4.30 p.m. – Hungarian

Thursday, October, 15. 4.30 p.m. – Hungarian

Furthmore of exact dates and the  series of exhibitions roll over to https://zenehaza.hu/en/series/freddie-the-exhibition-related-programme

Reminder by Aggie Reiter

23 Jul

Another Painful Farewell: Bonnie Tyler’s Death Has Once Again Broken Leslie Mandoki’s Heart

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

 

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Another chapter of sorrow went ahead.

“Thank you for the countless wonderful moments we were able to share together over so many decades, both on stage and beyond. As I look through our photographs from so many different chapters of our lives, the same radiant smile looks back at me from every one of them – the smile of music, friendship, and our love for one another. How special those evenings were when, after every concert, we stayed together, talked, laughed, and relived again and again the miracle that making music together meant to us. These memories will stay with us forever. Feeling immeasurable pain, and will miss your heartfelt passion, your warmth, your humanity, and your wonderful, unmistakable voice that touched the hearts of millions of people. It is not only I who mourn you today, but all of our Soulmates, your fans, and your family as well, because we were one community, united by music, freedom, and mutual respect. Only this spring we were still working together on the programme for our summer concerts. We were planning the next gatherings of the Soulmates family and preparing the concept for a major concert in Budapest. We were full of plans, hope, and the joy of creating together… Those plans will now remain memories forever.

Believe that our extraordinary fellow musicians who left before us have now welcomed you in Heaven: Jack Bruce, David Clayton-Thomas, Michael Brecker, Anthony Jackson, Victor Bailey, Jon Lord, and Greg Lake. Together with them, you continue making music in a world where melodies live forever and where the soul is never silenced.My dear Soulmate, your absence will be irreplaceable. But your voice, your smile, your passion, and everything we were blessed to experience together will remain with us at every concert, in every note, and in every silence.Music is eternal, and so are you. You will remain with us forever. Rest in Peace, Bonnie.”

Leslie Mandoki said with a heart full of sorrow farewell to Clive Davis and David Clayton-Thomas.

“Few people have had as profound an impact on modern popular music as Clive Davis. With his extraordinary instinct for talent and remarkable understanding of people, he launched and guided the careers of artists who went on to become global icons, including Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and countless others.”

Leslie Mandoki shared a close relationship with Clive Davis for more than four decades. They first met in New York when Leslie’s legendary mentor, Monti Lüftner-founder of BMG, the music division of Bertelsmann (RTL) – introduced them during the founding years of Arista Records. Over the following decades, Grammy Awards ceremonies, industry events, and countless personal conversations strengthened their professional relationship and deepened their friendship.

“Many people speak of Clive’s five Grammy Awards and the extraordinary artists whose careers he helped build. But above all, I remember the man who remained infinitely kind and humble throughout his life. Despite his enormous influence, he always treated us-musicians and creators-with the greatest respect. It was his humanity that made him truly great. Clive belonged to that rare generation of music visionaries whose decisions were never driven by cold algorithms, streaming statistics, or market reports, but by a genuine love of music and an unwavering belief in artists. There is no doubt that music and talent were always his true compass. Should also mention Clive Davis’s legendary friend, Joel Katz – longtime business representative and one of the most respected entertainment attorneys in the American music industry -who was of Hungarian descent. Sadly, Joel is no longer with us either.

Added: “Clive Davis was a music executive with an exceptional gift for recognizing talent. He understood artists’ creative visions and actively supported them in building international careers. He was never simply a businessman making commercial decisions; he was a long-term creative partner who opened doors, created opportunities, and helped artists develop and express their own unique identities on the world stage.”

In contrast, during the era in Hungary associated with Péter Erdős, the popular music industry operated under a completely centralized system. A single individual decided which artists would receive recording contracts, radio and television exposure, concert opportunities, or even the chance to perform abroad.

Once, after a pre-Grammy reception, Clive and I had a long conversation about the social responsibility of musicians. Back then I said something that I still firmly believe today: truly meaningful music will always be a thorn in the side of power. An artist’s mission is to stand for freedom, to build bridges, and to write songs that unite people rather than divide them. Joel and Clive shared those values with me. I will miss them both dearly.”

David Clayton-Thomas
The name David Clayton-Thomas had already become legendary during Leslie Mandoki’s youth. As the iconic lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears,  and profoundly influenced generations of musicians and later became Leslie’s creative partner, Soulmate, and close friend for more than thirty-four years.

Their shared journey began with the recording of Mother Europe, alongside Ian Anderson, Jack Bruce, and Bobby Kimball.

Over the years, the Mandoki Soulmates community welcomed such iconic artists as Mike Stern and Randy Brecker, both of whom had previously performed with David – Blood, Sweat & Tears and are widely regarded among the world’s greatest musicians on their respective instruments. Their presence reflects the true spirit of the Mandoki Soulmates – not merely as a band, but as a unique gathering place for some of the international music world’s most extraordinary artists, where artistic freedom, mutual respect, and creative collaboration have always been at the heart of everything they do.

“David held a truly special place in my life. He was my fellow musician, creative partner, and one of the founding members of the Mandoki Soulmates. He was a defining figure in an extraordinary community of artists that includes world-renowned musicians such as Ian Anderson, Jack Bruce, Bobby Kimball, Al Di Meola, and many others.

David’s own career was remarkable. As one of the defining members of the legendary Blood, Sweat & Tears, became one of the outstanding voices of rock, jazz, and fusion music.

“Our first musical step together came more than thirty-five years ago. Neither of us could have imagined then that it would mark the beginning of a musical and human journey spanning more than three decades. Mother Europe gave voice to Hungary’s Central European aspirations, and with it, a beautiful story began,“ Leslie Mandoki recalls.

Over the years, they recorded twelve albums together, toured the world, and shared stages in New York, Berlin, London, and Paris. In Budapest, they opened the very 1st Sziget Festival, rehearsed at the legendary Bem Club, performed during the 50 Years of Rock concert series and the Wings of Freedom tour, collaborated with Chaka Khan, Al Di Meola, Randy Brecker, Greg Lake, Jack Bruce, and countless other international stars, and together presented the People in Room No. 8 album on the legendary German television show Wetten, dass..?

“It is incredibly difficult to say goodbye. I truly believed David would always be there beside me. For more than thirty-four years we made music together, travelled together, laughed together, and shared those unique moments that can only be understood by people who have devoted their lives to music. He possessed an extraordinary voice and an extraordinary heart. I will always be grateful that our paths crossed. That gift will remain with me forever.”

What Remains Is Not the Loss, but the Gratitude. Leslie Mandoki bids farewell to David Clayton-Thomas with one final photograph of the two of them together, taken in New York, while remembering Clive Davis through a photograph he took himself, capturing one unforgettable moment at Clive Davis’s legendary pre-Grammy party. Both images stand as lasting reminders of more than four decades of friendship and mutual respect.

“Today I look at these photographs through very different eyes. They are beautiful and irreplaceable memories. They show people who believed in one another, who believed in the power of art, and who believed that music has the power to make the world a better place.I am grateful to fate for allowing me to walk this journey alongside them. Very few people are fortunate enough not only to admire their heroes but also to embrace them as friends.Time is merciless. One day, all of us must lay down our instruments, leave the stage behind, and make room for the next generation. Clive believed in people and in talent. David sang songs and gave a part of himself with every performance.

Today, the world of music mourns two extraordinary human beings. Their absence will always be painful, but my gratitude is stronger than my grief. I am thankful that I knew them, that I could learn from them, that we could dream together and make music together. Rest in peace, my dear friends.”

Leslie concluded: “And we will carry forward everything they taught us. We will continue to create as musicians devoted to the ideals of freedom, humbly serving our audience, because we believe that meaningful music will always remain a thorn in the side of power. The purpose of songs is not to divide us, but to build bridges-to connect people, cultures, and generations.”

Press release: Red Rock Studio

Up date by Aggie Reiter

22 Jul

Go On … Choof Off! Sziget Festival within 2 weeks @ Budapest

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Europe, Gastronomy. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

 

 

7th to 16th August – Budapest

Enjoy the spirit of Óbudai Island offers, whereas  foreigners and locals enloose at the self-contained world campsites, stages, food stalls, and art installations exist side by side, creating a genuine sense of community among attendees. Visitors often describe the vibe as more relaxed and open-minded than comparable festivals elsewhere, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, environmental consciousness, and creative self-expression.

Yes, every summer, hundreds of thousands of travelers from across the globe descend on this compact island city just north of central Budapest. What began decades ago as a modest gathering of music lovers has grown into a sprawling, multi-stage extravaganza featuring international headliners, immersive art installations, and a genuinely welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned festival-goer, Sziget 2026 promises the same blend of unforgettable performances and laid-back island charm that’s made it a bucket-list event for music fans worldwide.

Between August 7th and 16th, dozens of Budapest cultural and entertainment venues will offer exclusive discounts to those arriving with a Sziget wristband. Venues that have joined the Sziget City program and their current offers can be found in the festival’s official app. Venues that have joined the Sziget City program and their current offers can be found in the festival’s official app. Just like Szimpla, Dugattyús, Arzenál, Turbina, Heavy, Atno, Palazzo Permanents, Pontoon, Szatyor and Trafó.
The full range of Sziget City is available in the Sziget City menu of the official Sziget app (external link). With the help of the interactive map, users can discover the venues participating in the program, as well as current recommendations, discounts and programs.

Coinsider a few practical matters: Choosing the Right Ticket: Ticket types vary significantly, ranging from single-day passes to full-week camping packages, so it’s worth deciding early how much of the festival experience you want. Those attending just for a favorite headliner might lean toward a day pass, while music lovers hoping to soak in the full island atmosphere often find the week-long options better value. Prices tend to rise closer to the festival dates, so booking early isn’t just about securing your spot — it’s usually the cheaper route too.

Join the fantastic Sziget Cruisin Boat Party crew and marvel at Budapest’s beautiful sights from the Danube! Make the most of your festival holiday and join us for one of the boat parties during Sziget!

Booking Accommodation Early: Accommodation in Budapest tends to book up quickly during festival week, making early reservations a smart move regardless of whether you’re camping on-site or staying in the city. Central neighborhoods like Downtown or the Jewish Quarter offer easy access to both the festival shuttles and Budapest’s café and nightlife scene, making them popular choices for visitors who want the best of both worlds.

Pairing your visit to the Sziget Festival, worthwhile to take time for a little Budapest City Break. One of the smartest moves for foreign tourists is treating Sziget as part of a broader Budapest adventure rather than a standalone trip. The city’s thermal baths, historic Castle District, and vibrant ruin bar scene all pair beautifully with festival days, offering a way to recover and explore between sets. Many visitors extend their stay by a few extra days precisely to soak in Budapest’s culture beyond the festival grounds.

Reminder by Aggie Reiter

14 Jul

The 16th Gyulai Memorial – Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix @ Budapest – 2026.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Armand Duplantis, Dr. Bojidar Spiriev trophy, Entertainment, Gyulai Memorial Games, Hungary. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

The Gyulai István Memorial can be considered as the dress rehearsal for the World Athletics Finals @ Budapest in September. The organizers of the competition are also making sure that the program is exactly as dense, or fast-paced, as we will see at the new competition that will debut at the end of the outdoor season.

Athletes from 51 countries will compete in 20 international events, which is a record in the history of the event. The field includes 9 Paris Olympic champions – 7 of whom are individual gold medalists – and 5 defending world champions.

The world record holder in pole vault, Armand Duplantis, is once again aiming to win the Dr. Bojidar Spiriev trophy for the best result.

July, 14. in the afternoon, between 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., there will be 13 consecutive races at the Zsivotzky Gyula Athletics Center. However, anyone who only “falls in” at half past five will miss out on the most successful Hungarian athlete of our time, Bencé Halász. Knowing the relationship of our Olympic silver medalist and three-time World Championship bronze medalist with the home track, you couldn’t make a bigger mistake than that to miss it. An overall of  him, the defining experience of his career was last year’s Gyulai Memorial. The home crowd gave me a lot of strength, which I managed to fully transfer to my throwing. I can compete stably, my best this year is 81.22 meters, I would like to move away from the results around 80-81 meters, because I have more than that. Based on my qualities and the work I have done, everything can come together when it is needed. I would like to win, but it will not be easy.

It is very difficult to choose one from so many exciting numbers, but in the pole vault, the name Armand Duplantis is a guarantee of a high level. The audience may also have high expectations of the new world record holder in the 110 m hurdles, Ja’Kobe Tharp. The fastest Hungarian female sprinter, Boglárka Takács, is not facing an everyday opportunity either, as two Olympic champions in the person of Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah and Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred can help her achieve the best possible result. The same is true for Luca Kozák and Anna Tóth, in the case of the latter, she may even run against one of her role models, Masai Russell, in the 100 hurdles.

Up close the program of the Day

Stars at 4 p.m. hammer, men, 4.05 p.m. long jump, women. 4.30 p.m. pole vault, men. 4.40 p.m. pole vault, women. 5.20 p.m., high jump, women. 5.34 p.m., 400 m hurdles, men. 5.43 p.m., 400 m hurdles women 5.52 p.m., 200 m, women 6 p.m., 200 m, men. 6 p.m. long jump, men. 6.05 p.m. weight, men. 6.08 p.m. 1500 m, women. 18.18 p.m., 3000 m, men. 6.32 p.m. 100 m, men 6.40 p.m. 100 meter, women. 6.48 p.m., 1500 meter men 7 p.m., 100 m hurdles, women. 7.09 p.m., 110 m hurdles, men 7.18 p.m., 800 m, men. 7.27 p.m. 400 m, men

Tickets available on the spot.

The competition will be broadcast through the Duna World TV and then M4 Sport Channel.

Recommendation by Aggie Reiter

13 Jul

In mid-August @ Budapest bringing Kobra 4K to cinemas!

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainment, Hungary, Movies. Tagged: , , , .

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Sylvester Stallone’s cult action film is being re-released on the big screen by Pannonia Movie Ltd. to celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary.

In Hungary Sylvester Stallone is undoubtedly very popular, he was a defining figure for several generations, and although Kobra does not necessarily lead the many individual rankings, his essential 80s atmosphere is unquestionable. An early piece of the 1986 summer film season originally debuted in our country in January 1988, and quickly became a typical VHS-era cult classic. Detective Michael Cobretti’s one-liners, his arsenal of weapons (including his laser sight), his sunglasses and of course his 1950 Mercury Coupe – of which the star car was the actor’s own, and the broken ones were adapted to it – quickly became iconic.

The charm of the film also includes a script and action dramaturgy that were typical of the era, which never had to be taken seriously, and although Rocky – especially the one year earlier Part IV – and Rambo illustrate the decade even better, Kobra can still provide a rather unique experience on the big screen in the 40-year perspective. The original, Mokép-like dubbing, in which Sly’s Hungarian voice is the great István Bubik, while Brigitte Nielsen is voiced by Eszter Nagy-Kálózy, can contribute to this experience as an extra. Although the work has become more of a VHS icon, nothing shows its cinematic stature better than the fact that it generated more than six times its budget in revenue.

Mind you the Pannónia’s anniversary screenings, will be shown for ONLY a week, starting on August 13th. At the Lurdy Cinema in sync and of course with subtitles in Cinema MOM, so those looking for nostalgia will have to look there for the program. Although the real feeling would perhaps be given by a 4:3, sometimes disintegrating image with some background noise on the tape, our screenings will not be that authentic, which we will hold in digitally restored 4K quality.

Stallone wrote the film from two sources: a novel, which was later adapted in the 90s, and his own early negotiations before he finally gave up the role of Axel Foley. So Cobra is essentially a film history find, with which we can get a little glimpse of what the much darker Beverly Hills cop would have been like without Eddie Murphy.

Finally, let’s not forget the Hungarian aspect of the cinema, as its music was composed by Szilveszter Lévay, born in Subotica.

Fans will of course have an unmissable opportunity to experience the time capsule provided by Kobra in the hall for an hour and a half that promises to be a real time journey, because although the story is forgettable and there are also some great classics from action films set at Christmas, we can find one of the highlights of B-movie radiance in the adventure of detective Cobretti for a week in mid-August.

Tickets available on the spot.

Update by  Aggie Reiter

16 Jun

The 10th Anniversary Zsolnay Light Festival @ the City of Pécs

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in For Travelers. Tagged: , , , , , , .

 

Between 2-5. July. 2026.

Venue: 52. Felsővámház Str. – Pécs

Within a short time the Cty of Pécs shows her face to the 10th anniversary Zsolnay Light Festival  which will once again dress the city in light this year, but the most special experiences await visitors behind closed doors.

The city center’s iconic building projections and outdoor programs are free for everyone, but for those who want to explore every facet of the festival, the Light Festival MAX wristband will open all the doors.

In the spaces of the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter and the Kodály Center, international and domestic works await the audience, which would be a special destination in themselves at any European light festival. These are the experiences that visitors will still be talking about years later.

A laser experience that will move you to tears at the Kodály Center … One of the most special works of the festival is the installation Divine Geometry by the Latvian team Those Guys Lighting, which completely transforms the concert hall of the Kodály Center. Twenty-four lasers create a perfect circle of light in the space, while an original soundtrack composed by a renowned sound sculptor guides the visitor through the experience. The effect of the work is almost inexplicable: in previous presentations, it has moved many viewers to tears, and many of them
remained in the space long after the thirty-minute program ended, simply because they did not want to leave this special state.

Also waiting for visitors at the Kodály Center is the Bodhira, a monumental, flower-like light creature that constantly changes in response to touch. Sometimes it slowly unfolds, sometimes it closes again, while filling the space with light, movement and sound. Here, the visitor is not just a spectator of the work: with every touch, he creates new rhythms, new light drawings and new experiences.

Recommended by Aggie Reiter

14 Jun

Tribute … Queen Real Jazz – Castle Garden Bazaar Courtyard @ Budapest

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Budapest - Hungary, Entertainment. Tagged: , .

Thursday –  18th of June @ 8 p.m. – 2hs to rehear famous Queens tunes

Venue: District I., , 2-6 Ybl Miklós Square – Budapest

Queen Real Jazz will be performed in the courtyard of the Castle Garden Bazaar Foundry, participation of  three popular singers … Kati Wolf, Viktor Király and Tibor Kocsis, where the Budapest Jazz Orchester will reinterpret the legendary songs of Freddie Mercury and Queen  dressed up in  emotionl jazz. At the special concert, rock and jazz meets!  In addition to the most well-known Queen hits, rarely heard compositions will also be performed in unique, improvisational.   The songs were arranged for big band by Viktor Hárs and Zoltán Zakar.

Queen Real Jazz is both a tribute to the musical genius of Freddie Mercury and an exciting genre experiment that presents Queen’s oeuvre from a new perspective. The production combines the momentum of rock with the freedom of jazz, while the unique open-air venue of the Castle Garden Bazaar further enhances the atmosphere of the concert.

In recent years, the Budapest Jazz Orchester has proven with numerous successful crossover productions that the language of jazz can rethink iconic songs from pop and rock history. Queen Real Jazz is one of the most successful and popular concerts of this endeavor, which now returns to Budapest as part of the Castle Garden Bazaar summer program.

To purchase tickets and select exact seats, visit the official Castle Garden Bazaar Tickets page …

https://www.jegy.hu/program/queen-real-jazz-budapest-jazz-orchestra-190484/1420271

Update by Aggie Reiter

13 Jun

Pentathlon Men’s Epic Final Competition – Award Ceremony & Budapest 2026.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Budapest - Hungary, Entertainment, sporty. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

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Pentathlon is very much to fit for the future competition.

UIPM President Rob Stull “Q” I couldn’t be more grateful to everyone involved in staging a hugely successful Pentathlon World Cup here in beautiful Budapest.

Sumarizing the Men’s Epic Final … There was a fascinating hare-and-tortoise meeting in Heat 2 as Koleszar (HUN) took off fast against Brown (GBR), only to slip off the Flying Hoops and lose the lead. Remarkably, the local Hero got back in front of his rival as they both hit the buzzer at cca. 31sec.

The next generation of pentathletes then entered the fray to show how it was done. Forrest set a time of 22.21sec that would not be beaten all day and Matous Tuma of Czechia also broke 23sec. Jun (KOR) fell from the Tilting Ladders, hurting his lower back as team-mate Seo (KOR) charged off to win their all-Korea battle in 24.28. Much was expected of world record-holder Mohamed El Ashqar (EGY) but a few minor errors saw him fall short of his usual standards – though a 22.78 still made him highly competitive overall.

Moriz Klinkert (GER) was a non-starter and the final race between Dogue (GER) and Hassan (EGY) shaped up to be potentially decisive. Hassan (EGY) struggled on the Tilting Ladders, allowing Dogue (GER) to extend his overall lead with a solid 26.22.

In the Pool … There was very little to separate the athletes in the pool, though Brown (GBR) and El Ashqar (EGY) deserve special mention for breaking the 56sec mark for 324 and 323 points respectively, with Kovalchuk (UKR) and Jun (KOR) each taking 320 to strengthen their position.

It added up to an incredibly tight Laser Run start line, with El Ashqar (EGY), Fleurot (FRA) and Dogue (GER) all starting within 1sec of each other and Bohm (HUN), Hassan (EGY) and Grycz (CZE) lurking in close proximity.

Laser Run … El Ashqar (EGY) was immediately caught out by a slow shoot, slipping down to 8th, while Hassan (EGY) took 17sec to get his first set away. It led to a defined 1-2 battle between high-flying Dogue (GER) and hard-working Fleurot (FRA), with Grycz (CZE), Bohm (HUN), Bories (FRA), Hassan (EGY) and Forrest (GBR) in the chasing pack.

At the second shoot, Fleurot (FRA) made a mistake and Grycz (CZE) cught up with him, while Bohm (HUN) was unable to find his shooting prowess and it was Forrest (GBR) who looked the more likely to enter the medal equation.

Dogue (GER) remained steady with 12-13sec shoots, while Kovalchuk (UKR) became the big mover from a starting position of 13th. At the final visit to the range, Fleurot (FRA) shot out of the range to overtake Dogue (GER) in a bolt for gold. Sadly for him, the experienced double Olympian found his kick and passed his rival in the outdoor section of the course, to re-emerge into the arena as an unconquerable gold medallist. Similarly for Grycz (CZE), the running pace of Kovalchuk (UKR) was irresistible.

Gold Medallist Marvin Dogue – GER – Silver Medallist – Ugo Feleurot – FRA  … Bronze Medallist -Yurij Kovalcsuk – UKR.

 

Riport & snaps by Aggie Reiter

 

12 Jun

Pentathlon Final … Ladies Day – World Cup @ Budapest 2026.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Budapest - Hungary, Entertainments, Hungary, sporty. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Splendid Day with you or without you on the spot. Anyway  for those who couldn’t have made it  was worthwhile to catch up by any means to watch the women’s modern pentathlon final through live stream.  It was a spectcular energy competition.

Started with the fencing … 5 Rounds of Direct Elimination … First to touch or most … touches in 1min wins. Then on they go to the 8 obstacle more speed – more point to go … Thenafter, 100m freestyle racing in the 25meters length … Competition leader go in final heat … Last chance to boost laser the laser run. Still running – handicap start … 5 laps of 600m course … 5 visit to the 10meter laser range … 5 hits needed to exit .. Watch out for overtakes the range … The range is the spot where everything may change … First to finish wins.

Blanka Guzi thrilled her home crowd in Hungary by taking a record-breaking victory in the Women’s Final at UIPM 2026 Pentathlon World Cup Budapest.

Claiming her second Pentathlon World Cup gold of the season, the world No.1 was pushed to the brink at the BOK Sports Center by Great Britain challenger Poppy Clark.

In the absence of world champion Farida Khalil (EGY) and Olympic champion Michelle Gulyas (HUN), Guzi continued to make hay and make history. In the city where she lives and trains, her performance established a new overall record of 1,495 points – the highest tally since the new format was introduced at the start of 2026.

On the spot International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry sitting among the crowd, the local favourite was relentless in moving up the standings, eventually surging clear to repeat her 2023 triumph in Budapest – HUN  by 5sec from 22-year-old breakthrough starlet Clark -GBR.

Paris 2024 Olympian Laura Heredia of Spain won a three-way battle for bronze, also clinching her first global senior medal, ahead of Viyaleta Hureyeva of Belarus and Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Seungmin Seong of Korea, who rounded out the top five with Anna Jurt of Switzerland sprinting to finish 6th.

What a spectcular energy competition! Gold Medallist Blanka Guzi HUN … Silver Medallist Poppy Clark – GBR … Bronz medallist Laura Heredia ESP.

Riport  and some snaps by Aggie Reiter

11 Jun

It’s Women Day – Thursday, June, 11. semi-finals @ UIPM World Pentathlon Budapest 2026.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Budapest - Hungary, Hungary, Hungary., sporty. Tagged: , , , .

 

The organizers are expecting more than a thousand spectators to the BOK Hall … are you one above of those thousand-and One? Keep up with your favorite athletes and their achievements.

Hope the Aussie women sporty gals will  Wrap-Up in Budapest – Hungary.  The Australian women are back in action at the UIPM World Cup in Budapest along with Calypso Sheridan and Aleska Van Heekeren taking on strong international fields in qualification.

“Calypso – Give it a burl!” … A former elite swimmer at US collegiate level and junior international level for Australia, Calypso Sheridan is now taking on a completely different challenge: modern pentathlon.  Recently crowned HYROX Asia-Pacific Champion, she represents a new generation of hybrid athletes capable of excelling across multiple disciplines. As the sole female athlete in the Australian delegation at this World Cup, Calypso perfectly embodies the evolution of Modern Pentathlon!  This time Calypso Sheridan finished 28th in Qualification C with 1,349 points

Aleska VAN HEEKEREN

Qualification B was underway in Budapest!  Australia’s Aleska Van Heekeren has successfully navigated the OCR course and is now on piste as the fencing competition gets underway. Aleska here in Budapest finished 32nd in Qualification B with 1,166 points.
Congratulations to both athletes for proudly representing Australia on the world stage in Budapest!
Update by Aggie Reiter

9 Jun

The World’s attention is on the Hungarian Five-Around World Cup 2026.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Hungary, sporty. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

SNAPS … Training time connected to the press invitation.

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Budapest is once again  to be the world capital of modern pentathlon for a few days.

Between June, 9-13,  – BOK Hall will host the Budapest leg of the UIPM Pentathlon World Cup, which is not only the last World Cup competition of the season before the World Cup Final, also held in Budapest, but also one of the most important international events of the new era of the sport. The importance of the competition is further increased by the fact that Kirsty Coventry – President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), will be arriving in Budapest for the women’s final.

The Hungarian Pentathlon Association presented the competition at an international press conference on Monday, for which a total of 240 competitors from 47 countries around the world have entered. 103 athletes will compete for the women’s race and 137 for the men’s race, including Olympic champions, world champions and European champions.

The Budapest World Cup will hold a special place in the 2026 season. Not only will it be the last World Cup stop before the World Cup Final at the end of June, but Budapest will also host both major UIPM events within two weeks, making it one of the most important centers of international pentathlon. The Budapest World Cup is a major international event in the new era of modern pentathlon. Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) has now become an integral part of the sport, and the Budapest race is an important stage on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The audience and the media will be able to see the renewed, more dynamic and spectacular competition format up close, which will determine the future of the sport.

“We are very proud that Budapest can once again host the world’s best pentathlon athletes. Hungary has been a key player in the sport for decades, both as a competitor and as a host country. Last year, the Budapest World Cup won the award for the most innovative World Cup, and this year we have set ourselves the goal of providing a world-class experience for athletes, spectators and the media,” said Gábor Balogh – President of the Hungarian Pentathlon Association. The President of the Hungarian Association emphasized that Kirsty Coventry’s visit is a great recognition not only for the Budapest competition, but also for Hungarian pentathlon, which clearly demonstrates the international significance of the sport and Hungary.

Robert Stull – President of the International Pentathlon Federation (UIPM), emphasized that Budapest is the perfect location for the transformation that the sport is currently undergoing. “Budapest is more than a World Cup venue. This is one of the events where the future of the sport can be seen up close. OCR helps bring modern pentathlon to new audiences, while preserving everything that makes this sport special. The Budapest competition will also take place in an indoor environment, which is easier for spectators to follow and offers a more spectacular and enjoyable format for television broadcasts. The atmosphere of excitement and competition will be almost palpable in the arena,” said the UIPM President.

Sports Director János Belák spoke about the professional details, according to whom this year’s Budapest World Cup will feature a stronger field than ever before. Among the men, Olympic bronze medalist Giorgio Malan and two-time world champion Valentin Belaud will also be competing.

The women’s field will include two-time world champion Elena Micheli –  European champion Kerenza Bryson, and defending World Cup champion Ilke Ozyuksel.

The Hungarian team will be represented by competitors such as Guzi Blanka, Rita Erdős, Blanka Bauer, Mihály Koleszár, Csaba Bőhm, Balázs Szép and András Gáll. “The Budapest World Cup is both a home field and a serious international test for Hungarian competitors. The field is extremely strong, but at the same time, we have several athletes who have a realistic chance of fighting for the final, and even for the medal positions. The audience will see world-class competitions during the week,” said János Belák.

The qualifiers for the women’s field will begin on Tuesday, with the men joining the competition on Wednesday. The women’s final will be held on Friday, June 12, and will also be attended by Kirsty Coventry – President of the International Olympic Committee. The men’s final will take place on Saturday, June 13.

The organizers are expecting more than a thousand spectators to the BOK Hall, where the audience can follow the OCR, fencing, swimming and laser run competitions up close.

A brief introduction to the HUNGARIAN PENTATOM ASSOCIATION, which is one of the most successful and traditional national associations of the sport. Hungarian pentathlon athletes are among the most successful competitors in the history of the Olympic Games, World Championships and European Championships. The association’s main objective is the continuous development of the sport, strengthening its international role and supporting new generations of modern pentathlon in Hungary.

Riport and snaps by Aggie Reiter

 

6 Jun

Global Record … At Szentendre celebrates the 4.6 millionth visitor @ Harry Potter Exhibition – Hungary

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainment, For Travelers, Hungary., Tourism. Tagged: , , , , .

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An incredible international success story is unfolding within the walls of Szentendre’s Green Event Hall. The exhibition has become the center of a global milestone, having reached the magical number of over 2 million visitors in Europe and contributing to more than 4.6 million visitors worldwide. The lucky record-breaking guest will be welcomed with a special gift package presented upon arrival.

“When we first started organizing bringing the Harry Potter exhibition to Hungary, we hoped it would attract strong interest among Hungarian fans, but the love and enthusiasm we have experienced since opening day has exceeded all our expectations. It is truly wonderful to see the joy on the faces of both children and adults as they step into the exhibition. One of the most memorable moments for me was seeing a couple taking photos of each other with tears in their eyes among the sets of the Great Hall of Hogwarts™, before asking me to take a picture of them together. They told me that years ago their first date went so well that they ended up going to the cinema to watch the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, and they have been together ever since.”– said Gábor Guba – Managing Director of Green Exhibition Ltd. Further added … “The icing on the cake is that the magical 4.6 million global attendance record in
the history of the international tour is being reached right here in Szentendre!

This is an enormous recognition and an incredible milestone for our entire team. We are proud that, thanks to the extension until June 28, even more people will have the opportunity to experience this fascinating behind-the-scenes magic up close and bring a little tangible wonder into their everyday lives,” told Gábor Guba, Managing Director of Green Exhibition Ltd.

Presented by Warner Bros. and Imagine, the exhibition welcomes visitors with immersive design and interactive experiences. Guests can embark on a breathtaking journey through iconic moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films while admiring original costumes and authentic props up close. The captivating visual world also transports visitors into the universe of the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child™.

Harry Potter to close in three weeks … worthwhile to go for it! Be sorry if you missed it.

Mind you … Distance from Budapest to Szentendre just cca. 20 kms. It can be reached within 25-30 minutes via the main road 11 or the M0 motorway.

Tickets are available from 10990HUF
https://www.cts.eventim.hu/campaign/en/harry-potter-exhibition-szentendre-hpb

The Hungarian organizer of the exhibition is Green Exhibition Ltd.

Recommended by Aggie Reiter

5 Jun

Herald News! Duran Duran Returns to Budapest After 14 Years

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Budapest - Hungary, Entertainment. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

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As part of their summer world tour the British music legends Duran Duran are returning to the Hungarian capital after 14 years. Hear … Relive their unforgatable songs on the spot 28th of June, 2026. 8 p.m.

One of the most influential pop-rock bands of all time will take the stage at the Papp László Sport Arena Budapest Venue: District XIV., 2. Stefánia Road. Budapest.

The evening will also feature a remarkable moment in Hungarian music history: after an eight-year hiatus, Compact Disco will reunite in its original lineup to perform as the opening act for the world-famous British band.

Duran Duran remains one of the most successful and defining acts in pop music history. Over the course of their career, they have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and achieved 18 American chart hits alongside 21 UK Top 20 singles.

Their outstanding legacy has been recognized with eight lifetime achievement awards, two GRAMMY® Awards, two BRIT Awards, and two prestigious Ivor Novello Awards, one of which honored their exceptional contribution to British music.

The announcement of the 2026 tour follows several major milestones for the band. Latest album, Danse Macabre, became their 10th UK Top 5 album, while they also completed sold-out arena tours across the UK, Europe, and the United States. In addition, Duran Duran was officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

At the Budapest concert, audiences can expect a spectacular live show featuring both the band’s timeless, generation-defining hits and their newest songs performed live on stage.

Compact Disco to Open for the Global Icons …Historic H.ungarian Reunion: Compact Disco Together Again. “It is a tremendous honor for us to organize the Duran Duran concert, as they are true icons of pop music history and continue to be one of the world’s most dynamic live arena acts. Their return to Hungary is already a celebration in itself. When it became clear that Compact Disco would reunite in its original lineup on this verynight after eight years apart, we immediately knew that an unforgettable and historic evening was in the making. At Green Stage Production, our goal has always been to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our audience, and I truly believe this double celebration and reunionguarantees exactly that at the Budapest Sport Arena,” said Gábor Guba, Managing Director of Green Stage Production.

The exclusivity and significance of the evening are further elevated by the return of one of the defining acts of the Hungarian electronic-pop scene. After eight years apart, Compact Disco will once again perform in its original lineup, as Lotfi Begi rejoins Walkó Csaba and Pál Gábor on stage. The internationally recognized band will revive the most defining era of its
career for fans. “Compact Disco has always been more than just a band to us… it is a shared musical world whose time has come again” said Lotfi Begi regarding the reunion and adding “Standing on stage together again after eight years is already a very special experience for us, but the opportunity to do so before a legendary band like Duran Duran is an incredible honor. We are talking about a group that has influenced generations and remains one of the defining names in pop music to this day. We are truly looking forward to this evening, and I hope we will also have the chance to spend some time backstage talking with the guys.”Alongside their biggest hits, Compact Disco is preparing a specially created, reimagined, and newly arranged exclusive set designed specifically for this occasion, setting the perfect atmosphere before the British icons take the stage.

 

Take alittle time… blow you away …

Tickets:
https://www.eventim.hu/hu/jegyek/duran-budapest-papp-laszlo-sportarena-693905/event.html

The concert is organized by Green Stage Production in Hungary

Recommendation by Aggie Reiter

5 Jun

Herald News: The Haier & Candy Brands provides nationwide coverage for customers

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , .

In Hungarian homes, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and air conditioners are no longer just convenience extras, but the basis of everyday operation. According to a 2025 household appliance survey covering ten European countries, 64.5 percent of respondents replaced their previous appliance due to some kind of malfunction. Haier Hungary Kft.’s renewed, direct, nationwide service network offers an answer to this very problem: The aim of the modern service structure is to make repairs simpler, more transparent and faster.

Every third Hungarian household is a single-person … The role of large household appliances has increased dramatically in recent years, especially because the structure of Hungarian households is also changing. According to the 2022 census, every third household in Hungary was single-person, meaning that more and more people live in homes where they have to replace or repair a faulty refrigerator, washing machine or cooking appliance alone.

Consumer expectations are changing in parallel … Households are not only monitoring the performance, energy consumption or price-value ratio of appliances, but also how fast and transparent they can expect to be after the purchase.
This is especially true in a market where household consumption is picking up again: according to the Central Statistical Office, in the first three quarters of 2024, actual household consumption increased by 3.2 percent and household consumption expenditure by 4.1 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

Fast and predictable repairs are also a key issue because in many households, breakdowns still often lead to appliance replacement. According to the 2025 Smart Consumers Home Appliance Survey, which covered ten European countries, 64.5 percent of respondents replaced their previous appliance due to some kind of malfunction. This shows that the quality of the service background is not only a matter of convenience, but also a factor that influences the lifespan of the appliances and purchasing decisions.

In response to this changing market environment, a renewed, direct Haier service network began operating in Hungary on April 15, 2026. The network operates with 30 service partners, divided into regions, providing nationwide coverage for customers of the Haier and Candy brands. The aim of the new structure is to make the service processes faster, more uniform and more customer-friendly, thus allowing more appliances to remain in use for longer.

In the new system, service-related inquiries are received through a unified customer service channel. According to Haier, the more direct, nationwide service structure not only helps with faster repairs, but also strengthens trust in the brand. The goal is for service to not be a complicated, difficult-to-follow process for customers, but rather a natural part of the brand experience.

Update by Aggie Reiter

4 Jun

At the 8th Óbuda World Music Week Six-Day Cultural Journey

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

Between June, 22-27. more than 50 artists at this year’s Óbuda World Music Festival in Kobuci Garden Budapest.

This year, the festival will feature one of the strongest programs in its history: former Transglobal Underground singer, the world-famous Natacha Atlas, the Budapest Klezmer Band and the Budapest Bar will give a joint concert with the chief cantor of the Dohány Street Synagogue – László Fekete, and performances by György Ferenczi, the Csángálló and the Tokos band. These are just a few of the world-class offerings featuring more than fifty artists, presenting a representative cross-section of the cavalcade of Hungarian folk music, Balkan, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern musical traditions.

The 8th Óbuda World Music Week is not simply a series of concerts, dance hall, a world music garden cinema and roundtable discussions. It is a six-day journey between cultures, stories and sounds, where world music is not intended to be preserved, but to be experienced again and again .. So get it on!

The KOBUCI Garden’s thematic festival celebrates the liveliness and cultural-creating power of world music.

Update by Aggie Reiter

2 Jun

Kati Kovács opens summer program series @ CastleGarden Bazaar Festival

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

Kati Kovács concert at the VárkertFest photo

Venue: District, I., 4. Ybl Miklós Square – Budapest

Event Hall

Ticket: 8900 HUF, 10900 HUF, 12900 HUF
Duration: 2H’s
Date: 6. June, 2026.  –  7 p.m.

Kati Kovács, one of the defining voices of Hungarian popular music, has been on stage for over six decades. With her unmistakable mezzo-soprano voice, remarkable four-and-a-half-octave range, and a catalogue of songs known across generations, she remains a powerful and compelling live performer. This June, her iconic hits return at VárkertFeszt (Castle Garden Bazaar).

Since winning the national television talent show Ki mit tud? (“Who knows what?)  was a Hungarian TV talent show in 1965, she has built a career spanning thousands of concerts and performances across five continents. Her voice moves effortlessly between rock, jazz and classical influences, while her presence on stage continues to command attention. With more than 500 songs and numerous film appearances, her legacy is not only defined by numbers, but by the lasting connection she creates with her audience.

Known for her discipline, stamina and artistic independence, she has always approached performance with intensity and focus. For her, the stage is a space of freedom — every song shaped by experience, instinct and a direct dialogue with the audience.

For  not only the generation “Born the day before Yesterday” a special summer evening awaing  the audience at  the Várkert Bazár (Castle Garden Bazaar)  to experience one of Hungary’s most influential performers live.

Under the Moonlight view above the River Danube the outstanding buildings illuminated surroundings of the Capital.

Worthwhile to mentioned at the  Press Menting Kati talked  about her chapters of the previous days on stage:

Ttraveled the world … had a performance that stands as a special memory for her.
“I have many adventures. I once performed in front of Led Zeppelin at a festival in Hamburg. At the end, the band came out of hiding and “felt” that I was there live from behind the Iron Curtain and singing like that. I sang in Japanese in Japan, the band there liked it, and they asked me to sing it on their album. We were also in Australia for a month. Before one of our performances, they said, “the attendance at Hungarian shows is low.” It ended up being a sold-out show, and an Australian couple fell in love with us so much that they followed us everywhere by plane and learned the songs in Hungarian.”

Mind you … coming by car … 3 hours of free parking
The ticket provides free parking on the day of the performance in the Várkert Bazár underground garage for 3 hours (entrance from Szarvas Square) depending on the availability. Validate your parking ticket for the discount at the counter in the auditorium of the Event Hall!

On the opening day of the festival, Kati Kovács’ concert will crown your day.

Want anything more to comfy your evenings!?!

Recommandation by Aggie Reiter

26 May

UIPM Pentathlon World Cup 2026 Budapest

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , .

Only 2 weeks left until the UIPM Pentathlon World Cup 2026 starts in Budapest!

Venue: BOK Hall – District XIV., 1-3 Istvánmezei Rd. Budapest

Budapest is preparing for a special event: in June 2026, the world’s pentathlon elite will arrive at the BOK Hall for the UIPM Pentathlon World Cup.

The competition start on the 9th of June, and let  and watch on the spot the world’s best compete again in the BOK Hall!.

UIPM Pentathlon World Cup Budapest, Hungary Women’s Final – Gates open: 3 p.m. – Starting: 4 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026 -Budapest, BOK ‘A’ Hall

UIPM Pentathlon World Cup Budapest, Hungary Men’s Final – Gates open: 10 a.m. – Starting 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026 Budapest, BOK Hall ‘A’

As the 3rd stop of the World Cup series, Budapest will host the best in the sport. An unprecedented international field of more than 200 people will gather in the era of the new format to compete in the BOK Hall.

Be a part of the biggest domestic pentathlon competition of the year!

Secure one of the seat today and experience the excitement of the World Cup live! Please note that tickets are for unassigned seats, and seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Children under the age of 14 are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult family member with a valid ticket.

Recomendation by Aggie Reiter

24 May

The 46° Balaton Borbusz – Balaton WINEBUS …Hop-on-Hop Off

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Hungary, Lake Balaton - Hungary, Tourism, Travel, Wine around Hungary. Tagged: , , , .

Mid-May to the end of September – Summertime treat for wine lovers.

This summertime brings a real winery tour around the Northern part of Lake Balaton.

Namely with the 46° Balaton BORBUSZ – Balaton WINEBUS.  The first Hungary’s hop-on hop-off service around Balatonfüred-Csopak wine region. This way, guests can discover the region’s most beautiful wineries at their own pace, without the need for a car, taxi or pre-booked wine tour.

The heart of the experience is the bus itself: a 1984 retro, convertible DAF vehicle, the first half of which is covered, the second half completely open – completely unique of its kind, the only bus of its kind in the world. A true spectacle on the roads, where not only the destination, but also the journey itself is part of the experience.

The name of the 46° Balaton Borbusz refers to the geographical features of the Balatonfüred–Csopak wine region: the region is located near the 46th parallel north, in the same prominent European wine-growing belt as many iconic wine regions – Bordeaux, Burgundy or the Rhône Valley.

You can get on and off freely at any stop. If you miss, you can continue in the next round.

Some locations can be reached by smaller vehicles and this will be announced in advance by the host.

The famous wineries on a single day: Balatonfüred, Aszófő, Pécsely, Balatonszőlős, Csopak and Paloznak, with a frequency of 90 minutes. drops off passengers at a total of 5 stops, from Tihany to Balatonfüred in the morning and back in the evening. For those arriving from the south coast and those staying in Tihany can also comfortably join the program.

Two routes, two different worlds … The program is available 4 days a week – from Wednesday to Saturday – from mid-May to the end of September.

On Pentecost Sunday, the Balaton Borbusz – Balaton WINEBUS awaits visitors with a special route. The services depart from the center of Balatonfüred, from Vitorlás tér, in the morning, and return to the same place at sunset. The ” Old Friends” route runs on Wednesdays and Thursdays and visits the region’s most famous wineries in a single day: Balatonfüred, Aszófő, Pécsely, Balatonszőlős, Csopak and Paloznak, with a frequency of 90 minutes. The ” Hidden Treasures ” route takes passengers on a nearly 60-kilometer journey of discovery through the hills of the Balaton Uplands on Fridays and Saturdays … they visit mainly smaller, family-run wineries in Balatonfüred, Pécsely, Mencshely, Óbudavár, Szentantalfa, Tagyon and Balatonakali, with the service initially running every 120 minutes.

22 wineries, stunning panorama! A total of 22 award-winning wineries await visitors on the two routes – the number is expected to increase further during the season. Most of the stops offer unparalleled views of Lake Balaton or the Pécsely Basin.

The soul of the experience is the bus itself … recalling the 1984 retro feeling. It is a convertible DAF vehicle. The first half of which is covered, the second half completely open … completely unique in its kind, the only such bus in the world. A special transfer is provided for holidaymakers in Tihany. With the returning shuttle, also visiting the Tihany ferry, picks up and drops off passengers at a total of 5 stops, from Tihany to Balatonfüred in the morning and back in the evening. For those arriving from the south coast and those staying in Tihany can also comfortably join the program.

“Wine cheers the sad, revives the old, inspires the young, and makes weariness forget his toil.”

Don’t be a square … I mean be there not to skip out from a rememberable journey.

Recommendation by Aggie Reiter

 

22 May

Flash News: Football Champions League Final @ Budapest – Hungary

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Budapest - Hungary, Entertainment. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

Due to the UEFA Champions League Final in Budapest on May 30, Városliget (City Park) will be transformed into the official fan zone of Arsenal FC. Due to the tens of thousands of foreign fans and the strict international security closure, no other programs – including pre-Children’s Day events – can be held in the park on Saturday. The restrictions apply only to Saturday, and on Sunday, May 31, Children’s Day will be held undisturbed, in a clean and safe environment.
Hosting the world’s most watched annual sporting event in Budapest is one of the biggest logistical and security challenges in the City Park’s more than two hundred-year history. The park will perform three tasks at once this weekend: it will host the official fan zone of one of the finalist teams, it is the immediate neighbor of the four-day international fan festival taking place in Heroes’ Square, and it will play a key role in welcoming, moving and transporting foreign fans.

On Saturday, May, 30, special flights arrival to the Liszt Ferenc International Airport will continuously transport Arsenal fans to Városliget (City Park) from the early morning hours.
The exact route and schedule of the fan movement: Main axes within the park: Fans move along the Konrád Adenauer Street – Zichy Mihály Street, and to the Kós Károly Promenade.

Around 3 p.m. The huge pedestrian procession begins along the Olof Palme Promenade to the venue match, the Puskás Arena.
After the match … Fans will flow back to the park area along the same routes, from where buses will transport them back to the airport.
Timeframes: Preparatory work will begin on Friday, and demolition will begin after the Saturday game, around dawn on Sunday, and will be completed by Sunday morning.

Városliget Zrt (City Park Ltd) highlighted that the weekend’s implementation is the result of one and a half years pre-planning work, and the organizers indicated the space usage requirements immediately after the Budapest location was selected at the end of 2024.

Full Saturday closure … Security and logistical plans have been prepared for months in close co-operation between UEFA, the Hungarian Police, BKK (Budapest’s Transportation), Volánbusz and the English authorities. The security zones and traffic management protocols agreed with the police apply uniformly to the entire park – regardless of the physical distance of the individual venues from the fan zones.

Due to the extent of the measures, no other parallel events can be held in the park area on Saturday, May 30th.

Constant vehicle traffic and safety lanes are incompatible with the calm and family-friendly atmosphere of a preschool program.

Due to the huge visitor load, the event organizers have officially committed to fully covering the costs of any restoration work that may become necessary. The professional restoration will be carried out with the assistance of the specialists of Main-Gardening Ltd.

Városliget Zrt. (City Park Ltd) are preparing for the entire weekend with maximum operating capacity and reinforced staff, from visitor infrastructure and restrooms to park maintenance and security tasks.

Children’s Day without any disturbances!

Since the last Sunday of May is Children’s Day, Városliget Zrt. asks civil organizations and institutions to submit their land use requests for the weekend of the Champions League final exclusively by Sunday, i.e. May 31. By Sunday, the demolition works will be completely completed by the time the park opens, the fan logistics will be closed, so all parts of the park will be accessible and safe. The park’s iconic attractions … including the Grand Playground, which has already welcomed more than four million visitors, the KRESZ Park (Traffic Park), and the sports fields – await families undisturbed.

The Városliget Zrt (City Park Ltd) asks all visitors, international fans and Budapest families alike, to strictly adhere to the laws and norms of community coexistence, and to use public spaces peacefully, respecting each other’s presence.

Update by Aggie Reiter

18 May

Summertime starts in the Várkert (CastleGarden) Bazaar within programs to the Festival

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainment, Summertim events not to be missed 2026.

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The VárkertFeszt – CastleGarden-Festival meeting place for quality entertainment will arrive on June 6–7 with summer-kick-off music and colorful, mostly free family programs, where all ages will find their favorite! At the press conference titled “EXPERIENCE. WITH YOU”. On May 14, we were presented the summer offerings of the festival at Castle Bazaar. Was told by the presentations, there will be legendary performers, jazz concerts, sunset DJ sets, dance halls and fabulous children’s programs, as well as heart-warming romantic films which will surely guarantee the unforgettable moments!

The VárkertFeszt will be organizing for the third time, the cultural festival welcoming the summer, where many programs can be visited for free. At the press conference on May 14, Krisztina Sikota, Deputy CEO of the Castle Authority, talked bout the outstanding summer events. The Castle Garden Bazaar is visited by tens of thousands of people throughout the year, and last year nearly 8000 individuals were present at the VárkertFeszt programs. Among the programs of this year’s opening day of the festival shoots off with free family programs, the “Eszter-lánc” musical and puppet concert “All-Wonders Wandering Playground”. The museum pedagogical sessions were also highlighted. She emphasized that children play a leading role in the Castle Garden Bazaar, and they can expect exciting programs in every season. Festivalgoers can also enjoy the picnic atmospher at the Neorenaissance Garden, and The VárkertFeszt will be organizing for the third time, the cultural festival welcoming the summer, where many programs can be visited for free. At the press conference on May 14, Krisztina Sikota, Deputy CEO of the Castle Authority, talked bout the outstanding summer events. The Castle Garden Bazaar is visited by tens of thousands of people throughout the year, and last year nearly 8000 individuals were present at the VárkertFeszt programs. Among the programs of this year’s opening day of the festival shoots off with free family programs, the “Eszter-lánc” musical and puppet concert “All-Wonders Wandering Playground”. The museum pedagogical sessions were also highlighted. She emphasized that children play a leading role in the Castle Garden Bazaar, and they can expect exciting programs in every season. Festivalgoers can also enjoy the picnic atmospher at the Neorenaissance Garden, and they The VárkertFeszt will be organizing for the third time, the cultural festival welcoming the summer, where many programs can be visited for free. At the press conference on May 14, Krisztina Sikota, Deputy CEO of the Castle Authority, talked bout the outstanding summer events. The Castle Garden Bazaar is visited by tens of thousands of people throughout the year, and last year nearly 8000 individuals were present at the VárkertFeszt programs. Among the programs of this year’s opening day of the festival shoots off with free family programs, the “Eszter-lánc” musical and puppet concert “All-Wonders Wandering Playground”. The museum pedagogical sessions were also highlighted. She emphasized that children play a leading role in the Castle Garden Bazaar, and they can expect exciting programs in every season. Festivalgoers can also enjoy the picnic atmospher at the Neorenaissance Garden, and taste gastropubs drink specialties, refreshments and delicious snacks from the nearby food trucks. The audience can also enjoy the smashing concerts from the terrace of the VarjúVár restaurant with a special panoramic ticket. Among the summer programs, Krisztina Sikota highlighted the musical and dance performance “Our Father Has Messaged” on the second day of the festival, the all-arts evening of the Grecsó brothers, the jazz concert of the Balázs Elemér Group and the Summer Dance Houses available from June to August. She added that our next summer open-air exhibition will be realized in cooperation with the Museum of Fine Arts / Hungarian National Gallery. It shows that Italy is not only an extremely popular travel destination, but also a recurring inspiration and constant motif in Hungarian art. The free exhibition will be on display on the ramp leading to the Gloriette of the Várkert Bazaar from the 2nd. of July until the 27th of September, 2026.

At the press conference, Kati Kovács, Kossuth and Liszt Ferenc Award-winning singer, said that love songs are the most popular among the audience, so they will definitely resonate. Felícián Kovács, the lead musician of Kati Kovács’ band, revealed that with a long concert and are coming to the VárkertFestival with an expanded orchestra – percussionists, wind instruments, strings.

During the summertime Viktor Király will perform at the Várkert Bazaar with the Budapest Jazz Orchestra in the production titled “Queen Real Jazz”. According to the singer, the rich musical world of the Queen band’s oeuvre is particularly suitable for being expressed in the language of jazz. In addition to the best-known hits, the concert will also feature rarely heard songs in unique arrangements, the production being a tribute to the musical genius of Freddie Mercury. Viktor Király will close with his song titled Solo.

Extra flash news was told … “Among a/m Keep Floyding, which evokes the oeuvre of Pink Floyd, will perform, as well as the Metha sunset DJ set for electronic music lovers as part of the Be Massive series. Castle Garden Movie … On the closing evening of the week, Sunday, the iconic film Made in Hungária will be screened outdoors.”

Further infomation in English drop over: https://varkertbazar.hu/en

Riport and snaps by Aggie Reiter

1 Aug

Mason Thames’ new musical youth road movie Hungary’s cinemas

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainment, Movies. Tagged: , , , , , .

Nimrods, inspired by Green Day, will be released in cinemas in August, distributed by Pannónia Entertainment Ltd. The basic idea of ​​which was also helped by the members in addition to their production roles.

Mason Thames was able to achieve a box office hat trick in 2025 that was last seen in 1994, the year Jim Carrey became an unstoppable star. However, the main character of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, the Black Phone movies and Ruined Lives had another role last year, Nimrods, which debuted at the Toronto Film Festival, and will be widely released and sceened in cinemas nationwide with Hungarian subtitles.  The lovely story, which is in the genre of Cool Tour, Paper Towns and Sing Street, but with a different motivation. Premiere date, but from Tuesday, August 11th.

Tommy (Mason Thames) and his two friends (Kylr Coffman, Ryan Foust) have big musical ambitions, the three of them form a garage band called Analog Dogs, when one day they receive a phone call asking them to open for Green Day on New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles. Of course, this comes as a surprise to the Kansas City trio, and after Tommy’s mother (Jenna Fischer) is worried about not giving him her own car – well, our protagonist doesn’t even have a license – they finally take Tommy’s brother Wayne’s (Keen Ruffalo) car and set off on a journey that promises the opportunity of a lifetime, during which unexpected situations, humorous twists and experiences that test their friendship await them.

These were inspired by the atmosphere of Green Day’s early travels and the band’s early years, and many details were inspired by their real van stories from years before they joined, but the film itself is not a biographical work. In addition to the band, who make cameos as themselves, well-known faces appear in supporting roles such as Fred Armisen, Sean Gunn, or McKenna Grace, who appears as the indispensable love interest of teen comedies, known from the new Ghostbusters episodes, among others, who is a couple with Thames in real life, and they already worked together with great chemistry on screen in the film that caused their reunion, Ruined Lives.

The title is based on Green Day’s 1997 album “Nimrod”, and they have contributed a new theme song, while the entire soundtrack itself naturally includes fictional compositions by Analog Dogs, a song performed by Grace, and 4 previously unreleased Green Day concert recordings, from the performance that our protagonists are about to be the forerunners of.

The film is also packed with the punk band’s greatest hits, so fans won’t be able to miss the cinema for that reason alone, but 1-1 tracks by some other artists (e.g. The Paradox, Ultra Q) also add to the feel of life reminiscent of the early ’90s.

The a/m piqued your interest save your seat to one of the screenings nationwide from August 11th 2026.  Furthermore, such a sweet coming of age adventure is always endearingly charming …  not to say …  it can be a great alternative to escaping to cool theater hall between two heat waves. Genre lovers, Green Day fans, and fans of the two up-and-coming actors can definitely watch one of the hidden gems of the summer!

Reminder by Aggie Reiter

 

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