Present-day stars like Kendrick Lamar, Gorillaz, Lana Del Rey, Mumford and Sons, Dua Lipa, Kygo or Arctic Monkeys will be the headliners of this year’s Sziget festival, starting from the 8th, lasting until the 15 th August. But Sziget festival is not only about music and performers, a new community have been growing out with an open-minded vision, focusing on not just the 21st century’s “sharing is caring” digitalism, but since recent years sustainability, curiosity and acceptance. The community of Sziget was founded 25 years ago based on the idea of creating a temporary “dream nation”, celebrating and sharing the best from cultures and people across the globe’’. They believe that everyone’s individual freedoms should be respected and everyone should have the right to the freedom of thought and lifestyle, sexual orientation, religion, speech and the right to equal knowledge and learning.The XSLand is an adventure par, where NGOs that help disabled people, welcome the visitors aka Szitizens with a variety of interactive programs, games, and sport programs. It’s like a regular adventure park but here everything and everyone is a little different. At the Tent Without Borders expect stories, games and films without borders focusing on integration, community, family, love and sex, initiation and intervention. Spectacular installations, colorful sculptures, unique art projects, stunning and amazing visuals; that’s what Art of Freedom is all about. This very special scene gives the opportunity to young creative minds to present their ideas and to show their talent at the Island of Freedom, transforming it to magical world where music and dancing, joy and happiness, love and friendship are spreading around. Performing arts in the recents years have been in more focus, expect to receive a visual treat at the Cirque du Sziget offering unique productions and impressive shows that will blow you away. In previous years, the circus venue at Sziget has been one of the most popular destinations, attracting many due to its special atmosphere! At the outdoor stage you have an opportunity to become part of the show, while inside the big tent you can simply sit back and be amazed by sensational performances. Get ready to welcome all the artists, acrobats and jugglers coming from all over the world! Starting this year, Sziget will focus even more on reducing the quantity of waste – they introduce the Re:pohár (re:glass) system that basically means returnable glasses will be handed out to buyers and will continue to selectively collect the waste produced on the premises. Last year, the festival recycled more than 2,000 cubic meters of materials – this year, the organizers expect to repeat this performance. 1/11 × NGO Island is one of the most vivid and interesting spots of Sziget festival. NGO Island is a meeting point, offering information, services and assistance to young people related to topics of most interest to them – while they can also take part in the work of these organizations. They wish to promote ideas and grant support to causes, that promote the world and our Globe to become a better place. The Museum Quarter awaits Szitizens with programs and games hosted by prestigious museums of Budapest. If you feel like exploring the city, don’t forget to visit some of these museums as you have a 50% discount with your unharmed Sziget wristbands until the end of August! The 50% discount also applies with you Budapest Citypass-Hosted by Sziget City between 4-16 August! Check the full list here! (https://szigetfestival.com/en/citypass) Magic Mirror is one of the most extraordinary and special locations at Sziget, which will try to present the diversity of LMBTQ communities once again this year. Magic Mirror is for everyone - those seeking a home and a “safe space,” but it also aims at showing Szitizens the importance of being open and accepting towards others. Queer culture is portrayed through a wide spectrum of programs including talk-shows, stand-up comedy, thrilling performances, and other activities. Join us to see some of the most amazing performances followed by all night parties! The Cökxspon Chill Zone will be one of your fave spots, you can rest in the shade under huge and colorful cloth decorations, take a nap on a soft carpet, while resting your head on a snake pillow, or enjoy the enchanting lights that surround you. Experience different smells, while listening to non-stop psychedelic, ambient music or watching movies. You can also take a dip in the Danube or recline in a deckchair. The wonderful Sziget Beach venue, in the Northern corner of the island, guarantees a relaxing and chill experience for everyone! See you there! Photo: courtesy of Sziget