Fatboy Slim is the main headliner of the Pohoda Festival in Trenčín. (source: REAUTERS)
Western SLOVAKIA
BratislavaEXHIBITION: THE SLOVAK National Museum in Bratislava has once again extended its largest exhibition titled How Did We Live?, which aims to present the 20th century in an interesting and accessible way. From July 2 to September 14, visitors can admire paintings by Milan Laluha, one of the most outstanding personalities of the Slovak artistic scene. His creation, influenced by his native region, most often depicts working men and women or the picturesque villages of central Slovakia, which are almost always represented in modernist geometric shapes and vivid colours. The Slovak National Museum (SNM) at Vajanského nábrežie 2 is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. The admission to the exhibition is Sk100 for adults and Sk50 for students and children. For more information, call 02/5934-9111 or visit www.snm.sk.TurzovkaFESTIVAL: Drotária – The 4th traditional festival of folk and country music features a number of Czech musicians such as Janek Ledecký, Naďa Urbánková and Ivan Mládek. Runs: July 18-19. Admission: Sk250-Sk400. Amphitheatre at Turzovka. Tel: 0905/576-506, www.drotaria-fest.sk. Banská BystricaCELEBRATION: Music & Fun – IMT Smile and Desmod perform at a chill-out summer party for all those who like dancing and enjoying themselves. Starts: July 19, 19:00. Admission: Sk150. Na Štiavničkách Swimming Pool. www.funradio.sk. MichalovceFESTIVAL: Šírava Fest – The most popular Slovak musicians, including Pavol Habera, IMT Smile, Tublatanka, Polemic, No Name and Gladiátor perform. Runs: July 18-20. Admission: Sk499-Sk699. Kaluža Relax Centre (near Zemplínska Šírava). www.siravafest.sk. PrešovFESTIVAL: Country Sigord – A successful rival to similar festivals, the 2008 Country Sigord features mostly local country and folk bands . Runs: July 18-19. Admission: Sk70. The Opalex Sigord Relax Centre (near Prešov). www.opalexsigord.sk.
Bratislava
CLASSICAL MUSIC: Hommage a Bach – The Bratislava Chamber Orchestra led by Ivana Pristašová performs works by Bach and Andriessen.
Starts: July 14, 20:00. Admission: Sk160. The Evangelical Church on Panenská Street. www.juras.sk.
Bratislava
LIVE MUSIC: Jazz Wednesday – Renowned jazz band Traditional Club plays the best of its hits.
Starts: July 16, 20:30. Admission: free. The Sparx Club, Cintorínska 32. Tel: 0903/403-097, www.sparx.sk.
Bratislava
DANCE: Solnyško – Young Russian artists present a dance show.
Starts: July 17, 18:30. Admission: free. Main Square. www.bkis.sk.
Bratislava
LIVE MUSIC: Spanish Songs – Miriam Rodriguez Brullova, Mária Hamyová and Michal Sťahel perform passionate Spanish melodies.
Starts: July 18, 20:00. Admission: free. Hviezdoslavovo Square. www.bkis.sk.
Trenčín
FESTIVAL: THE POHODA Festival, the biggest outdoor music event in Slovakia, takes place in Trenčín from July 18 to 19. Dozens of foreign and Slovak musicians will perform their best set lists on several stages almost around the clock. This year’s most important draw is undoubtedly Fatboy Slim (on the photo), the British DJ and big beat musician, who won Best Dance Act of 1999 and four MTV Video Award nominations for his video Praise You. The festival’s unusual mixture of genres and first-rate services will ensure two days full of fun in a party atmosphere. The range of performers will once again include the Opera of the Slovak National Theatre, this time with the Royal Choral Society of London. Other well-known names include Joan Baez, Richard Müller, Iva Bittová, and Marián Varga, just to mention a few. Former Czech president Václav Havel will also be in attendance for performances of his one-act play, Audience and Protest, by Divadlo na tahu, from the Czech Republic. There will also be sections dedicated to Slovak and Czech cinema, literature, mental health, dance lessons, presentation of architects at Pecha Kucha Night, and activities for children. The festival starts on July 18 at 8:00 at Trenčín airport. Tickets cost Sk1,299 for one day and Sk1,499 for two days. For more information, see www.pohodafestival.sk.
Nový Tekov
HORSE RACE: Trot Race – Thrilling and noble, horse races have a unique atmosphere that attracts both children and adults. There will also be performances by majorettes and historical swordsmen.
Starts: July 20, 15:00. Admission: Sk40. Nový Tekov Racecourse. www.zavodisko.sk.
Dobrohošť
FESTIVAL: The Punk Island – The Anti Nowhere League from the UK headlines the seventh year of this punk festival, which organisers have announced will be the last one.
Runs: July 18-19, 9:00. Admission: Sk350-Sk590. The artificial island between the old and new bed of the Danube, which borders Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. www.punkisland.sk.
Komoča
FESTIVAL: Oáza Beach Parade – This three-day open-air party offers three stages with the best dance music DJs and a number of accompanying events, including Cocktail Free Style Show.
Runs: July 18-20. Admission: Sk250. The Oáza Camp Relax Centre (near Nové Zámky). Tel: 035/6481-181,www.oazacamp.sk.
Beckov
FESTIVAL: Medieval Camp at Beckov - Knights Errant at Beckov, the historical fencing group, offers a rich programme consisting of fencing shows and an exhibition of historical weapons. Visitors can try firing arrows.
Runs: Jul 19-20, 10:00. Beckov Castle. www.bludni.sk. Tel: 032/6553-921.
