Sziget Festival Reveals Plenty of Novelties for 2023

"Since the beginning, Sziget has been constantly improving and developing, with innovations in different areas every year. However, last year, after a two-year interruption, we were happy that we managed to survive the difficulties - which were overwhelming for many, and which were attacking us on several fronts," began the traditional 'big' press conference of Sziget 2023, organized by Tamás Kádár, the festival's main organizer.

"This year, however, we are back on the road to progress, which will be clearly visible in many areas," he said.

Kádár stressed that Sziget will be more spectacular, with several venues getting new designs and improvements in sound and lighting technology. The popular and internationally unique Art Of Freedom will return, bringing its stunning artwork and the visual power of its spectacular space installations to the world of Sziget. The now iconic "K" bridge of Sziget was renovated in 2022, so it is hoped that this year it will be possible to decorate the bridge leading to Island of Freedom again, in agreement with the capital city.

A major development this year is the removal of the mobile toilets from the guest areas, which will be replaced by flushable container blocks.

Sziget is also showcasing a new look in catering this year. Kádár said that in the so-called food courts, which will be set up in the festival area, great emphasis will also be placed on convenience services. In addition to the rich local offer - which will include traditional "festival food", Sziget will partner with well-known and popular restaurants and buffets - the international offer will be expanded and special diets will also be available.

The organizer said that the prices were set so that the festival would not be more expensive than comparable products available in the capital.

"In addition, each restaurant must offer at least one so-called "budget food", with a maximum price of EUR 6.5," he said.

"Greenification" to Continue

Sustainability is also a key aspect in the operation of the food courts: caterers will be allowed to use cutlery, packaging, and ingredients accordingly, and great attention will be paid to energy saving and waste collection.

The "greenification” of the festival is also continuing in other areas. On the one hand, the use of combustion vehicles will be minimized, and apart from the most essential vehicles, only electric or human-powered vehicles will be used for the transport of all those working on Sziget.

"Our basic principle is to ensure that the various vehicles cause as little disturbance as possible to festival-goers," added Kádár, adding that a new transport plan has been drawn up for Sziget this year.

In the field of environmental protection, the area of the gallery forest adjacent to District III - protecting the flora there - will be closed again this year, in line with the reclassification of the forest as a nature reserve by the Budapest capital and WWF.

To improve the festival experience, the Sziget organizing team is also "declaring war" on airborne dust caused by last year's unusual drought.

The organizers have already re-landscaped Sziget, using "grey water" - water from the Danube - to solve the problem of continuous watering, and a new dust control treatment is being applied throughout the festival area, which uses the humidity of the air to create a slightly moist layer on the ground - preventing dust from entering the air.

Organizers are looking to further enhance the guest experience is enhanced via VIP venues on Sziget. The VIP tickets available for purchase give access to four VIP sectors at a time, which will be set up next to the Main Stage, the Mastercard FreeDome, the Ticketswap Colosseum and the Party Arena.

The campsites on the Sziget site will offer a variety of services. In principle, those arriving for more than two days can pitch their tents throughout the whole of the Sziget, but for those who want more, there is Siesta Camping in the north-west of the Sziget, just a step away from Sziget Beach by Tanqueray, or Park Camping near the entrance for shade. Sziget Ville is located in the eastern part of the festival area, with set-up accommodation, and Caravan Camping offers access to private caravans. Podpadopolis is a special camping village, an alternative to traditional tents, with a variety of services. Sziget offers a wide variety of pre-installed accommodations, all of which could serve as a alternative to bringing your own tents (which are often left behind on the festival site).

The entrance to Sziget will continue to be located in the inner area after the K-bridge, and the admission and exit system introduced last year will be maintained, making it faster and safer for people arriving for big concerts to leave.