United Islands of Prague is an international multi-genre music festival that takes place in Prague each year. 2019 will mark the 16th annual edition of the event, which will welcome over 100 performers from more than 10 scenes. This year’s theme is the British Edition and visitors are encouraged to dress in the colors of the Union Jack. 

The festival focuses on young talented musicians and singers, who are supported by a few foreign and domestic stars. 

United Islands of Prague will combine the celebration of the United Islands with the celebration of freedom and commemoration of the anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain.

Freedom Island will be one of the main program highlights of the festival and will be situated in the surroundings of Kaizel’s orchards and its heart will be the ČT art Freedom Stage. “All the bands that perform here are lucky to have grown up in a free society, which is certainly not taken for granted. Thirty years ago they would never have been able to meet on the same stage because of the regime’s tight grip. Most importantly, they can all create freely. Often, nowadays we forget that freedom is not commonplace in the world so we invite you to come and be reminded of this and celebrate it with music,” tempts Moimir Papalescu, executive producer of the festival.

Musicians from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany, and the Czech Republic will perform. The main program of the event is ‘freedom island’, which will be headlined by Polish rock group Trupa Trupa, Danish group The Deadnotes and Hungarian band Saverne. Other performers include The Actavists, Walter Schnizelsson and From Our Hands.

Organizers are also preparing a number of other thematic activities. There will be a “wall of freedom” that will be decorated with graffiti from Czech and German street artists. With their creations, they will express their view on the present state of democracy in the world.

The program will also include a thematic quiz for children and adults. Parents can find out how well they remember the events of 1989 and check what their children know about the topic. All age groups will also enjoy a photo shoot in retro corner, where they will be able to take pictures of themselves on Wenceslas Square as it was in November 1989, or in a perfectly re-created pre-revolutionary teenage room. There will also be stands of non-profit organizations with other accompanying programs and to top off the program there will be a show of classic Trabant cars.

Author: red

Prague is tired of the level of litter being produced by the lively sector of society and pushing to clean it up. The Czech Republic’s capital is now testing a law to correct the trash problem, outlawing plastic cups at Rap & Pop music festivals.

“I want to find in my responsibility all the possibilities for Prague to behave in a more environmentally friendly manner. Reducing disposable plastics is the most effective means of fighting for cleaner nature and oceans. I hope that Prague will not remain alone and inspire other organizers and operators,” Třeštíková said on the City Hall website.

The ban on plastics will include more than just cups.  No food or beverage can be sold with or in disposable plastics. It also includes a ban on plastic cutlery such as forks, spoons, and knives.

While rap and pop music festivals are highlighted by blogs, this law will affect all genres. However, the most popular music genres are likely to be the most discussed by fans and also they ‘keywords’ to help push the ‘green’ idea.

Beyond music, other artistic events will also have to adhere to the new law. No one can use plastics whether it be painting, acting, or dance related.

The replacement for plastic cups and wares at Prague music festivals has great intent but some question foresights. City officials are directing event organizers to use washable resources. Glassware, porcelain, metal, or wooden items can be used in place of plastics.

The problem with such solutions is painfully obvious, however. With the level of intoxication being high at such events, some are concerned with the concept of people having such items at their disposal.  Glassware and metals can particularly be dangerous if thrown or projected. For event organizers, this could pose new security risks.

The new law was added to event contracts beginning  May 1, 2019. This will be one of, if not the first European country to ban plastic wares since the EU’s decision to outlaw such goods by 2021.

Author: red