Festival Hrady CZ announces the complete line-up for its eight stops across the Czech Republic, promising a star-studded summer
Točník, Kunětická hora, Švihov, this year newly joined by Hluboká nad Vltavou, Veveří, Hradec nad Moravicí, Bouzov and Bezděz. Festival Hrady CZ stands out from other events of its kind thanks to its unique travelling concept, which for 21 years has combined live music with the atmosphere of Czech and Moravian historical landmarks. Each stop takes place in a different setting, offering visitors across the country a unique experience every time. The festival's distinctive blend of contemporary music and the genius loci surrounding castles and chateaux creates what feels like a cultural journey through both history and the present day. This year, the biggest costume carnival held as part of the festival programme will celebrate its 20th anniversary together with visitors. Festival Hrady CZ also offers free admission to the respective castle or château during Saturday afternoon as part of the ticket price, naturally limited by the venue's visitor capacity.
The complete line-up for all festival stops of this year's edition has been revealed, promising a star-studded summer primarily featuring Czech and Slovak artists across genres such as rock, hard rock, pop, pop punk and rap, with touches of folk as well. Friday nights at every stop will conclude with Rybičky 48, preceded by the energetic Mig 21, while Daniel Landa will close Saturday evenings right after Mirai. Fridays will also belong to rap legend Rytmus, genre chameleon Grey256 and the band Trautenberk. Meanwhile, fans can enjoy Vypsaná fixa, Harlej and Krucipüsk on Saturdays. Visitors can also look forward to Tomáš Klus, Xindl X, Lenny and the increasingly popular Brixtn. Newcomers Adaline will bring their '90s-inspired grunge style to Hrady CZ, while Vega Elektra will add a more pop-oriented sound.
Festival Hrady CZ will launch its travelling tour on Friday and Saturday, July 10–11, at the picturesque ruins of Točník near Prague, before heading to Kunětická hora near Pardubice on July 17–18. Švihov Castle, surrounded by water moats between Plzeň and Klatovy, will host the festival on July 24–25, while this year's new addition, the neo-Gothic South Bohemian gem Hluboká nad Vltavou, will welcome visitors on July 31 and August 1. Mid-summer, on August 7–8, Veveří Castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir will come alive with music, known for its long history and impressive location atop a rocky promontory. One week later, on August 14–15, the festival moves beneath the romantic château complex of Hradec nad Moravicí. The Moravian part of the tour will conclude on August 21–22 at the fairy-tale-like Bouzov Castle. The entire summer journey will then culminate beneath Bezděz Castle on August 28–29, the iconic landmark of the romantic Mácha region with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
"Festival Hrady CZ blends perfectly with summer trips, as its individual stops, which feature almost identical music programmes, take place at attractive historical landmarks in different parts of the country. Visitors can combine the musical experience with exploring the region – spending the day visiting a castle or château, the surrounding nature or nearby towns, and enjoying concerts in the evening. We are pleased that over its 21 years of existence the festival has become an inspiration for many visitors to travel and discover new places during the summer," says one of the organisers, Michal Šesták. Festival Hrady CZ has long cooperated with the National Heritage Institute.
Concerts will always take place on two stages located in meadow areas beneath or near the historical landmarks. Festival grounds will open at 3:30 PM on Fridays and 10:30 AM on Saturdays. The traditional castle carnival, celebrating its anniversary this year, together with the announcement of the best festival costumes, will be held every Friday from 7:30 PM.
As in previous years, payments at the festival will be cashless using rechargeable wristbands. Festival Hrady CZ offers several levels of accommodation. For an additional fee, visitors can enjoy a completely hassle-free stay in the so-called VIP Camp PLUS, which includes a pre-pitched tent, two or four comfortable sleeping mats and sleeping bags, as well as upgraded sanitary facilities including showers and reception services. Paid VIP camps, comparable to modern campsites, will offer showers, flush toilets, 24/7 reception, catering services and phone charging stations. Bicycle and luggage storage will also be available, alongside a free standard tent area. Capacity for both VIP Camp and VIP Camp PLUS is limited.
Tickets for Festival Hrady CZ are available through NFCtron. Until June 25, Friday tickets can be purchased at a discounted price of CZK 1,200, Saturday tickets for CZK 1,300, and two-day passes for CZK 2,000. At the venue, ticket prices will increase to CZK 1,400 for Friday, CZK 1,500 for Saturday, and CZK 2,600 for a two-day pass. Discounts are available for children, disabled visitors and seniors. Two-night accommodation in VIP Castle Camps can be purchased until June 25 for CZK 850 per person, while VIP Camp PLUS costs CZK 1,650. On-site prices will rise to CZK 1,000 for VIP Camp and CZK 1,800 for VIP Camp PLUS. Combined packages including a festival pass and accommodation are also available, priced at CZK 2,950 for a pass plus VIP Camp and CZK 3,500 for a pass plus VIP Camp PLUS. On-site package prices will be CZK 3,500 with VIP Camp and CZK 4,300 with VIP Camp PLUS. Limited-edition Exclusive passes including merchandise are also available for CZK 5,000.