Opening Ceremony

The festival starts where the city meets: on the Main Square, with the mayor, the organising team and the first notes of the weekend. Expect a short welcome, the traditional unlocking of the stage barrier and a set by the brass section of the Balkan Beats Orchestra that spills straight into the crowd.

The opening is free and open to everyone — no ticket, no wristband. Come early if you want a spot near the front; the square fills fast once the drums start. From here the programme fans out across all six stages.