The first day of the Mighty Sounds music festival kicked off on Friday evening at the airport in Tábor with performances from the English band Enter Shikari and the American Black Flag. The festival, which focuses on genres like ska, punk, and reggae, will continue until Sunday evening, with headliners Rancid taking the stage.
On Saturday, festival-goers can look forward to performances from popular Australian musician Dub FX, as well as the American ska punk group The Interrupters, English singer Frank Turner with the band The Sleeping Souls, and the British duo Bob Vylan, who mix the genres of grime and punk. The program also includes alternative theater, burlesque, stand-up comedy, and slam poetry.
This year’s budget for the festival, which was founded in 2005, is the highest in its history, exceeding twenty million crowns. The organizers are expecting around ten thousand spectators, similar to previous years.
One notable change at this year’s festival is the introduction of a cashless payment system. Attendees will receive a wristband with a chip, which they can load money onto. This practice has become standard at Czech festivals following the pandemic, and other festivals such as Rock for People, Colors of Ostrava, Metronome, Brutal Assault, and Let it Roll have also adopted cashless payment systems.
The festival will culminate on Sunday night with a performance by Rancid at Čápův dvůr Airport shortly before midnight. František Švadlena, speaking on behalf of the organizers, describes Rancid as an essential punk rock band that, along with bands like Green Day, Offspring, and Bad Religion, represents the foundation of American punk rock. Rancid, founded in 1991 in California, combines rock with punk, reggae, ska, and other genres. They have sold over four million records worldwide, with their latest album, “Tomorrow Never Comes,” released at the beginning of the month.
Tickets for the three-day festival cost 3,500 crowns on-site. The organizers have increased the entrance fee by 20 to 30 percent compared to the previous year, but they state that this increase is still far from covering the rising costs. Most of the tickets were sold in advance.
The festival has also introduced new one-day tickets this year, and efforts have been made to provide more seating areas. In the tent city, a new square has been set up where people can buy breakfast in the morning, and there will be various stalls. The Mighty Sounds summer festival was first held in 2005 in Olší u Opařany before moving to the Čápův dvůr airport in Tábor five years later.
Actor and singer Vojtěch Dyk, in an interview with Linda Bartošová, warns about the potential for crowds to go crazy in no time due to the influence of social networks.
Overall, the Mighty Sounds festival promises a diverse lineup of music and entertainment for attendees to enjoy over the weekend.
How does the new Ment system improve convenience and reduce long wait times at food and merchandise stalls at the Mighty Sounds music festival?
Ment system, where festival-goers can load money onto a digital wristband and use it to make purchases throughout the event. This new system aims to improve convenience and reduce long wait times at food and merchandise stalls.
In addition to the musical performances, Mighty Sounds also offers various activities and attractions for attendees to enjoy. There are several food stands offering a variety of cuisines, a beer garden serving a wide range of local and international brews, and a marketplace where festival-goers can purchase merchandise and souvenirs.
For those looking for a break from the music, there are alternative theater performances, burlesque shows, stand-up comedy acts, and slam poetry readings. These diverse offerings aim to provide a well-rounded experience for attendees, catering to a range of interests and tastes.
The festival’s lineup has been carefully curated to showcase a mix of well-known and up-and-coming artists in the ska, punk, and reggae genres. With headliners Rancid closing out the festival on Sunday evening, fans can expect an energetic and unforgettable performance to round out the weekend.
Overall, the first day of the Mighty Sounds music festival proved to be a success, with stellar performances from Enter Shikari and Black Flag setting the tone for the rest of the weekend. With an impressive budget and a diverse range of activities, this year’s festival promises to be one to remember.
“What an incredible lineup! With Enter Shikari, Black Flag, and Rancid headlining, Mighty Sounds Music Festival is sure to be a wild and unforgettable experience. Can’t wait to rock out with these iconic bands!”