From May 1st to 4th, Prague's islands and dozens of clubs across the city will host a colorful array of unheard musical tones. This marks the traditional United Islands of Prague music festival. Over the course of these four festival days, audiences will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the greatest musical discoveries from European Union countries. In addition to domestic talent, artists from France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Slovenia, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands will take the stage. Beyond musical discoveries, visitors can also look forward to exciting workshops, lectures, live podcasts, discussions, and sports activities. The festival is traditionally free for all attendees.
This year marks the twenty-first edition of United Islands of Prague in the city. Over four days, more than a hundred artists from across Europe will grace the stages. On Wednesday, May 1st, the stage will feature performances by Polish singer and producer Baasch, Slovenian pop-rock band LPS, and Hungarian Freakin' Disco, whose music has such power that it launches audiences into space. Representing the Czech scene will be the rock band Glad For Today. The second day of the festival will highlight domestic talent through a club night across ten different venues in Prague. Additionally, there will be a concert against xenophobia titled Symphony for Humanity on Střelecký Island, featuring performances by artists such as Ben Cristovao and Sofian Medjmedj. Friday's program will bring a diverse range of performers from across Europe to music fans. Among the biggest international attractions will undoubtedly be Irish indie-pop duo 49th & Main, the highly anticipated German group Lonely Spring, the potential sensation of Faeroese shitpunk band Joe & The Shitboys, and domestic band Good Times Only. The final day of the festival, Saturday, May 4th, will be characterized by bold bookings and talents currently selling out venues across the country. Notable acts include Rohony, a native of Starče in Vysočina, and fresh "Anděl" Award winner Mc Gey, whose sensitive album "About Dad Who Fell Asleep" moved and delighted both fan and professional communities. The chance to gain more attention will also be given to the djent-core sensation Severals.
"I believe that after the festival, we will all add new musical discoveries to our playlists this year. I am convinced that this year's music program may be the best in all these years. I am glad that we have invited young dramaturges to our team, who are closest to our audience. I believe that everyone will find something truly special at the festival this year," says Martin Voňka, producer of the United Islands of Prague festival.
From May 1st to 4th, artists will perform on 23 stages, either on open-air stages on Střelecký Island, Slovanský Island near Žofín, or Janáček's Embankment, or in 10 clubs, including the return of Thursday's club scene. For the first time, the festival will visit locations such as Ďáblice, Holešovice, Palmovka, Anděl, and Jižní Město. Traditional venues such as Jazz Dock, Chapeau Rouge, and FAMU club will also host performances.
Throughout all festival days, the beloved non-musical program "Islands of Inspiration" will be present. This year, the entire non-musical program's curation is taken on by the team of the "Díky, že můžem" association, known for organizing the annual event on November 17th on Národní třída. Notable activities include embassy presentations as part of the celebrations of 20 years of the Czech Republic in the EU, live podcasts, a special exhibition "Opráski sčeskí historje", staged reading with Adam Gebrian, Ladislav Zibura, and many others, and a major debate on twenty years without borders. Interesting organizations, human rights initiatives, associations from Prague 1, workshops, museums, and cultural institutions will also have their space. Additionally, there will be a rich gastronomic offer, food trucks, and bars with a wide range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
"We are pleased that the United Islands of Prague festival has invited us to create the non-musical program. In its realization, we will utilize our long-standing dramaturgical experience and assemble it to be as beneficial as possible for visitors of all ages," adds Ester Valtrová, program manager of the "Díky, že můžem" association.
For the past twenty years, the United Islands of Prague festival has relied on the continuous support of the City of Prague and the municipal districts of Prague 1 and Prague 5. Important partners of the festival also include the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, ČEZ Group, Serge Borenstein, Prague Public Transit Company, Building Society ČS, KPMG, Prague Gas Company, Philip Morris, and others.
"Prague is a city of culture, and our long-term goal is to support events of various genres. Over the years, the United Islands festival has established itself as part of the cultural life of the capital. This year, it is further underscored by the anniversary of the accession to the European Union," says Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda.
"Our municipal district is inherently at the center of events due to its nature and location. The United Islands of Prague is a diverse, international event that celebrates music and culture from across Europe. It excellently represents the creative spirit of Prague 1," says Terezie Radoměřská, Mayor of Prague 1.
"I greatly appreciate that the United Islands music festival returns to Prague 5 annually. I am even more delighted that it will be the case this year, when this major multi-genre European music scene celebration in Prague is framed by the twentieth anniversary of the Czech Republic's accession to the EU, and Prague 5 will be part of it again!," says Štěpán Rattay, Councilor for Culture of Prague 5.
"The ČEZ Group has long supported Czech culture – from visual arts through theater, film to music of many genres. We are pleased to also help launch the careers of young artists. That's why this year we decided to support the traditional United Islands festival, which offers exactly such an opportunity," says Milan Záhorka, Head of Sponsorship Department of the ČEZ Group.
The festival is under the auspices of the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský, Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák, Minister of Defense Jana Černochová, Mayor of Prague Bohuslav Svoboda, Deputy Mayor of Prague Jiří Pospíšil, and Mayor of Prague 1 Terezie Radoměřská.