United Kingdom

Superb: New flight from Budapest announced to a Western European metropolis

New flight from Budapest to Liverpool UK

Wizz Air is to get a competitor concerning the Budapest-Liverpool route this October, based on a post published by Budflyer, a Hungarian Facebook page focusing on air travel news. Here is what we know about the new flight from Budapest.

New flight from Budapest to the United Kingdom

The Irish low-cost airline Ryanair began to upload its winter timetable this week, and Budflyer already noticed a new direct flight from Budapest to Liverpool in the United Kingdom. The first flight will take off from Budapest Airport on 28 October, and Ryanair plans two flights per week in their winter timetable.

Wizz Air already operates a direct flight between the UK metropolis and the Hungarian capital. However, considering the high number of Hungarians working, studying, or living in the United Kingdom, we believe there will be considerable demand for a new flight from Budapest on that route.

ryanair wizz air airlines destinations new flight from Budapest — Hungarian Wizz Air and Irish Ryanair will compete for the passengers on the Budapest-Liverpool route. Source: depositphotos.com

Lots of Hungarians work abroad, one of their favourites is the UK

444.hu wrote in April that the number of Hungarians working abroad was 109 thousand between January and March. That is 8 thousand more than in January-March 2023. In November, it was 110 thousand. The Hungarian nationals working abroad peaked before the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit with 120 thousand. The United Kingdom is one of the Hungarians’ favourites apart from Austria and Germany, particularly because most Hungarians learn English in school.

Among the many reasons are the low salaries in most sectors and the long shifts or lack of proper equipment in sectors like the Hungarian healthcare system or education. That is why 65% of the Hungarians plan to work abroad, while the global average concerning that factor is just 54%. Meanwhile, lots of foreign citizens – mostly from East Asia – come to work in Hungary. Between 2013 and 2024, the number of Asian guest workers in the country increased from 27 thousand to 93 thousand. Most of them work and live in Budapest’s downtown.

Hungary guest workers government ban — Guest workers in Hungary. Photo: depositphotos.com

Ryanair expands network

The last time Ryanair announced a new flight from Budapest was this April: the Irish low-cost airline added some flights from Budapest to Milan Malpensa Airport to the summer schedule. Later, they announced the resumption of their popular flight from the Hungarian capital to Israel’s Tel Aviv. The first plane will take off on 4 June and will be available five times a week.

According to the Hungarian press, there is not much chance for Budapest Airport to get some Transatlantic flights due to the unfavourable Hungarian-American relations. That may only change after the November presidential elections.

Meanwhile, Hungary’s air connections to the East are constantly developing. Apart from the multiple projects announced during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Budapest – including the private super-fast train connection between Budapest downtown and Budapest Airport – new flights may begin to carry passengers between China and Budapest this summer.

xi jinping chinese president arrives in budapest new flight from budapest — Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Budapest. PrtSc: Facebook/Szijjártó Péter

Seven Chinese cities available from Budapest

According to airportal.hu, China Southern Airlines will fly between the Hungarian capital and Guangzhou four times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday) with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Before, the Hungarian government announced a direct flight to Shenzhen twice a week.

Based on the Polish Rynek Lotniczy, the operator of Budapest Airport is working on two additional flights: Chengdu (Sichuan Airlines) and Xiamen (Xiamen Airlines).

Xiamen China — Xiamen. Source: depositphotos.com

From 2024 H2, seven Chinese cities will be available with direct flights from Budapest with 19 flights per week.

Read also:

5 supercheap but mesmerizing destinations from Budapest by plane – Details in THIS article
Superb news: Hungarian Wizz Air saves passengers after Ryanair’s announced departure!

Featured image: depositphotos.com

May 11, 2024

Princess Diana visited Budapest 34 years ago – but could not buy a souvenir?

Princess Diana visited Hungary twice in the 1990s. She first visited the Hungarian capital with her husband, Charles, and then returned to Budapest alone in 1992. During both of her visits, Princess Diana was greeted with huge fanfare and love from Hungarians.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Hungary was the first former socialist country that the royal couple travelled to. During their joint visit in May 1990, Charles and Diana spent several days in the Hungarian capital. Diana must have had a wonderful time in the country, as she returned to visit alone two years later, Éva magazin writes.

Princess Diana, Hungary, Budapest, people — Photo: Tamás Szigeti

The first visit to Budapest and Bugac

On their first trip in 1990, the party was received at the airport by Árpád Göncz, the interim President at the time. In the evening, Diana and Charles attended a dinner in the Parliament.

During this trip, they spent a total of four days in Budapest, where they visited the Great Market Hall, the Pető Institute, the Film Factory, and the Fisherman’s Bastion, and saw a performance at Vígszínház. Charles also gave a speech at the University of Economics, today’s Corvinus University.

Prince Charles, Diana, Budapest — Photo: Tamás Szigeti

When Princess Diana and Prince Charles arrived at the Heroes’ Square, where they placed a wreath at a monument in honour of Hungarian historical figures, around 1.5 thousand people gathered to greet them.

During their visit, the couple even tried public transport: they travelled on Budapest’s most beautiful tram line, tram 2, which runs alongside the Pest riverbank.

Diana, tram, Budapest, Hungary — Photo: Tamás Szigeti

In addition to Budapest, they also visited Bugac and the nearby national park, a place that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had also been to during their visit to Hungary. There, they were invited to watch a horse show.

Princess Diana’s second visit to Budapest

Two years later, in 1992, Princess Diana returned to the Hungarian capital alone, though she spent only two days in the country. She accompanied the British Ballet Company as the main patron of the organisation. During this visit, she also visited the magnificent Opera House, where she attended the English National Ballet Gala Performance.

A royal menu and a missed souvenir – here is how the press saw Princess Diana

Hungarian newspapers, of course, did not miss the opportunity to report on the sensational visits, which aroused great interest. The most fascinating and entertaining article excerpts were collected by Blikk.

A journalist from Magyar Nemzet wrote about the couple’s shopping spree at the Great Market Hall like this:

“Tomatoes, oranges, and cauliflowers were lined up in military order on the stands, some made a pattern of radishes in the couple’s honour. Hungarian housewives suddenly became royalists: they snatched the right hand of Prince Charles from each other’s hands, using all their knowledge of English to prove who kept which relic at home – two letters from Queen Elizabeth, the heir to the throne’s childhood photographs… Meanwhile, Lady Di clutched the bouquets of flowers with a half-hearted smile – a vendor also surprised them with garlic and carrots – gracefully smoothing her manicured hands into the butcher’s fists sticking out from here and there.”

Market Hall, Budapest, Diana — Photo: István Szigeti

Budapest, Hungary, Diana — Photo: Tamás Szigeti

Népszabadság wrote that Prince Charles asked, in English, one of the vendors some questions who answered in German, “but they clearly understood each other perfectly”.

The newspaper Mai Nap detailed this interlude: “The princess gazed at a beautiful embroidered egg for a long time, but as she did not have any money, she was forced to give up the souvenir.” Although “the English protocol official who accompanied her hastily pulled out a crisp one thousand forint note from his pocket, he couldn’t get it to Diana in the huge crowd”.

Diana, Hungary, Budapest — Photo: Tamás Szigeti

Princess Diana, wave, Budapest — Photo: Tamás Sziget

During the visit to Hungary, the local gastronomy could not be left untried either, Joy magazine highlights. Diana and Charles were offered pálinka at Bugac, which the heir to the throne gladly tasted. “Although Lady Diana, who is obviously used to weaker drinks, politely declined the offer, Prince Charles sipped deliciously from the world-famous whistling peach from Kecskemét,” wrote the Hungarian press.

The menu of the Parliamentary dinner was also printed in the newspaper the next day: the chefs of the famous Gundel restaurant prepared a mixed appetizer menu of the most delicious Hungarian foods for the couple. The menu consisted of Újházy chicken soup, veal stuffed with foie gras and strawberry dumplings, as well as coffee and tea, champagne, and different wines from the vineyards of the country.

Read also:

Controversial Duchess Meghan Markle once fell in love with Budapest – HERE
VIDEO, PHOTOS: This is what Queen Elizabeth II did when she visited Hungary – Read HERE

April 21, 2024

Today only: Hungarian airline Wizz Air is offering cheap flights!

Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air is offering cheap, discounted tickets to the UK today. Don’t miss it: the airline’s offer valid for one day only!

Just like elsewhere, the low-cost airlines are unbeatable for this destination, with British Airways flying to England at a significantly higher price. However, it is important to know that it’s only the base fares that are cheap: if you want to take check-in luggage with you, the ticket will obviously be more expensive, Economx writes.

Cheap Wizz Air flights to London

Wizz Air is reducing its fares by 15% on Thursday compared to the original prices. The discounted fares are valid for one day only, according to their website, and apply to flights to the UK between May and July.

If you’re planning a shorter trip to the UK capital, you can fly for a couple thousand forints with Wizz Discount Club membership. The plane takes off early in the morning on 15 May, and you can return to Budapest for just a bit higher price with a morning departure on 16 May.

budapest london luton wizz air discount — Source: Wizz Air

It’s worth bearing in mind that Wizz Air flies to Luton, which is nearly 50 kilometres from the city centre. You can get in for around GBP 5 to 10 with shuttle buses running every 35 minutes during the day.

In June, a similar quick getaway costs a bit more: with almost the same parameters, the outward fare is HUF 9,200 (EUR 23.4) for a 12 June departure, HUF 5,700 (EUR 14.5) with Wizz discount, and the return fare is HUF 17,000 (EUR 43.2) for a 13 June departure at the normal price, HUF 14,000 (EUR 35.6) with Wizz discount.

Be very careful, however, because if you take checked baggage with you or buy cabin and on-board baggage in addition to the ticket price, the price can quickly go up a lot.

Read also:

April 18, 2024

London’s Victoria&Albert Museum’s DIVA exhibition travels to Budapest to open next month

DIVA, a large-scale exhibition from London’s Victoria&Albert Museum showcasing costumes and the life of iconic performers will be on display in in the House of Music Hungary (Magyar Zene Háza) in Budapest on its first journey abroad from May 18, the organisers said on Tuesday.

DIVA exhibition in Budapest

The DIVA exhibition, viewed so far in London by 300,000 visitors, will present dresses worn on stage by Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Cher, Maria Callas, Edith Piaf, Ingrid Bergman, Billie Eilish, Rihanna and Bjork, the statement said. The Budapest exhibition will also present the costumes and life stories of Hungarian performers such as opera diva Éva Marton, actresses Lujza Blaha and Katalin Karády, and singers Zsuza Koncz, Zsuzsa Cserháti, Zséda, Bori Péterfy and Déva,it added.

Divas&Icons

“When working out the narrative, we sought to showcase personalities fit to present the[V&A] exhibition’s original messages. The Budapest exhibition entitled Divas&Icons will reflect the diversity of the music scene,” the statement quoted András Batta, the House of Music’s managing director, as saying.

Márton Horn, the institution’s operative director, said the Budapest exhibition will feature hundreds of items from international collections and the House of Music’s collection covering design, costumes, photography, fashion, film, and music.

It will display several costumes for the first time on 800sms, including the dress worn on stage by Maria Callas as Norma in 1952, Marilyn Monroe’s black dress from Some Like It Hot (1959), and iconic pieces designed by the legendary Bob Mackie.

Hungary’s Éva Marton has offered the costume she wore on stage in Verdi’s Don Carlos for the exhibition.

DIVA exhibition – Information

Venue: Magyar Zene Háza/House of Music Hungary – Budapest, Olof Palme stny. 3, 1146

The Budapest show will run from 18 May to 15 September. Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00

Ticket prices: 5 200 HUF (weekday), 5 900 HUF (weekend).

Famous TV show poised to drive UK tourists to Hungary

Contestants of a popular business reality show in the United Kingdom came to Budapest in a recent episode. The series provides a great promotion for the sights of Hungary and may prompt UK tourists to consider Budapest as their destination this upcoming holiday season, expert says.

Contestants of the UK’s version of The Apprentice competition series, airing on the BBC, went sightseeing at iconic locations in Budapest, sailed on the Danube, and visited a vineyard in Etyek, index.hu spotted. In the episode, contestants had to set up tours in the country with the goal of earning the most revenue from ticket sales. One team opted for a boat tour on the Danube, while the other set up a tour in a winery.

Those taking the trip on the river of Budapest also visited Margaret Island and its famous musical fountain:

Meanwhile, tourists choosing to visit the renowned wine region of Hungary got to learn about the so-called wine thief:

Besides the main attractions, a variety of the most famous sights of Budapest appeared on screen, from the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church to the Basilica or Vörösmarty Square.

Budapest is a popular destination for UK tourists

The last season of The Apprentice garnered over 6.5 million viewers in the United Kingdom. The Hungarian Tourism Agency (Magyar Turisztikai Ügynökség, MTÜ) took part in coordinating the locations and tasks for the filming of the episode. They say that Hungary’s inclusion in the popular series, especially at the onset of the travel season, is priceless in terms of publicity, and may give a great boost to tourism in the country.

Especially so because, as Bálint Erdei, deputy general manager of MTÜ, highlights, 12% of tourists from Britain use mass media and the press to decide on their next holiday destination.

Hungary – particularly Budapest, its surrounding area, and Lake Balaton – is a popular destination for UK citizens: Hungary’s third and Budapest’s number one sending market is the Kingdom. The country is exceptionally trendy among members of the younger generation: around half of UK tourists in Hungary are aged between 19 and 34.

Earlier this year, we reported on how foreign tourists were crucial in keeping Hungary’s tourism sector afloat last year, as the number of guest nights Hungarians spent in local establishments fell by 5.1%. In comparison, the number of guest nights foreigners spent in the country rose by 16.6%. More than any other nationality, tourists from the UK spent an accumulative 84.6 thousand nights as guests in accommodations in the country.

Budapest offers many breathtaking sights and historic landmarks, and, as one travel guide points out to Brits looking for their next summer vacation destination, it also has some of the cheapest beer on the continent.

Read more:

Budapest ranked 9th in 2024’s “must-visit” culture capitals – More HERE
Hungary’s Lake Balaton is among the world’s best beaches! – Read our story HERE

March 26, 2024

Góbéfest: Celebrate Transylvania and Hungary in Manchester in June!

Góbéfest, Manchester’s original urban folk music and dance festival with strong Central and Eastern European leanings, is back!

Established in 2017, Góbéfest has its roots firmly in Transylvania and Hungary, but over the years has expanded its reach to cherry pick some of the finest performing artists from around the Carpathian Basin and beyond.

Returning to Cathedral Gardens from Friday 21-Sunday 23 June 2024, the festival will for the first time be selling day or weekend tickets for the Friday and Saturday. Sunday – which has become known as Dance Day – will remain free.

The weekend promises an expertly curated mix of bands and solo artists, folk dance troupes, choirs and more. Independent food and drink traders will be serving up favourites from around the Carpathian Basin, from giant pans of goulash, to the fried flat breads known as lángos and Transylvanian barbecued chimney cakes.

Alongside craft beer, there will also be a Hungarian wine stall and a palinka (Hungarian fruit brandy) bar. Free activities in the family tent include music and dance workshops, storytelling and crafts.

Friday’s headliner, Parno Graszt has been described as ‘the source of gypsy music’ and will be performing exclusively at Góbéfest in what will be the band’s first UK appearance in a decade.

Saturday’s dual headliners are klezmer and Balkan music supremos She’Koyokh and Manchester’s own Rioghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet.

On Saturday 22 June 2024, Márta Sebestyén, Judit Andrejszki & Béla Szerényi Jr. will be in concert at Hallé St Michael’s as a Góbéfest special event.

Keep an eye on the Góbéfest website or socials for updates as more acts are added to the bill.

Early bird tickets for Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June are £25 (£12.50 child over 5) until the end of March. After that, tickets are £35 (£17.50 child over 5). Family tickets are also available for £60 (early bird) and £80. Sunday 23 June is free entry all day. Tickets at gobefest.com/tickets.

Important information about this year’s Góbéfest:

Where? Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG

When? Friday 21 – Sunday 23 June 2024

Website: www.gobefest.com

Tickets: Friday & Saturday £25 early bird tickets until the end of March

Sunday is FREE!

Read also:

March 16, 2024

Comparing payment options in the UK and Hungary

In 2024, most people in the developed world prefer paying by card, or at least often utilise this option. The use of cash is getting further and further into the background while a growing number of retail chains and businesses introduce the option to pay by card. In this article, we are comparing the payment options in the UK and Hungary.

Payment options in the UK

Payment options in the United Kingdom are as diverse as the country and its economy. According to pay.com, the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) “has the third-largest e-commerce market in the world”, which means that you have uncountable options to get whatever you need from the comfort of your home, using the internet. (If you’re interested in combining pleasure with business, you can also take part in a pay by phone bill casino in the UK!)

Let’s look at the five most preferred payment methods in the UK:

1. Debit and credit cards	2. Cash	3. Contactless payment	4. Digital wallet	5. Direct debit
97% of UK residents have debit card for daily spendings	Percentage of cash payments in 2021: only 15%	Contactless payments were used in 32% of transactions in 2021	Digital wallet consumers use this method at least once/month	90% of UK residents pay bills with direct bank account transfers

As can be seen from the above chart, using debit and credit cards is the most popular payment method across the United Kingdom. Even though cash is the second, its usage is steadily declining. With the rise of digital payment methods, fewer and fewer people keep cash in their wallets and pockets. According to pay.com, the percentage of cash payments declined from 62% in 2006 to just 15% in 2021.

Contactless payments have soared in popularity in the UK recently. While in 2016, only 7% of transactions saw contactless payment as the chosen method, this percentage jumped to 32% in 2021. As for digital wallets, the most popular digital wallets in the UK are Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay. Direct bank transfer is the 5th most popular payment method, with 4.6 billion transactions in 2021.

Payment options in Hungary

Whether you’re going shopping, paying for a service, ordering online or getting food, you’re likely to be offered a number of options to pay. Even though digital payments are not as popular and widely used as in the United Kingdom, most businesses offer numerous digital payment solutions. According to adyen.com, a local currency, the so-called Instant Payment System (AFR), has been launched in Hungary to reduce the amount of cash in circulation and encourage people to pay digitally. Despite this, cash is still the preferred method of in-store payment in Hungary.

Let’s look at the five most preferred non-cash payment methods in Hungary:

1. Mastercard	2. Visa	3. PayPal	4. Google Pay	5. Apple Pay
72% of people use their cards more than once/month	20% of Hungary’s card owners use Visa	Survey: most commonly used fintech platform with 65%	Mobile wallets are becoming more and more popular	Apple products less popular than Android ones

As can be seen, Mastercard is the most popular credit card in Hungary. According to pay.com, more than half of residents use bank-issued cards daily, and 72% of people use their cards more than once per month. Visa is the second most popular credit card in the country, with approximately 20% of card owners using it. Just like Mastercard, Visa cards are also compatible with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. As for PayPal, it is commonly used in the country for peer-to-peer money transfers and online shopping.

In conclusion, while the UK and Hungary offer similar payment methods, what still differs is people’s preferences: in Hungary, a larger percentage of customers prefer using cash over digital payment methods.

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.

March 11, 2024

Controversial Duchess Meghan Markle once fell in love with Budapest

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to relinquish their royal status and depart from the United Kingdom around four years ago. After leaving the UK, they have been residing in a luxurious American home with their children. However, before meeting Harry, Meghan was a passionate traveller who once visited the Hungarian capital.

In 2013, Meghan Markle visited Budapest during the festive season when the city was decorated with Christmas decorations, creating a warm holiday ambience. The former Duchess, who shared glimpses of her experience on Instagram at the time, which were later deleted before her marriage to Harry, expressed her fondness for Hungary, according to Joy.hu.

Meghan cherished the winter atmosphere, the bustling Christmas market, and the aroma of mulled wine and admired landmarks like the synagogue on Dohány Street. She even said Andrássy Avenue is the Hungarian version of the Champs-Élysées, the most renowned and prestigious avenue in the heart of Paris. Here are some of her photos taken in Budapest:

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

alexandra ☾ (@meghanmarlke) által megosztott bejegyzés

Meghan also enjoyed running along the banks of the Danube, relaxing on Margaret Island and exploring the iconic bridges that Budapest has to offer. She even tried Bikram yoga and managed to follow instructions despite the language barrier. Ever since those years, she has not returned to Hungary but her time in the capital undoubtedly left her with cherished memories.

With Meghan and Harry once again in the media spotlight, this could serve as an ideal opportunity for them to re-visit Budapest. Despite their fame in Hungary, the famous couple could seek peace and privacy in the Hungarian capital, away from the constant public attention.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle — Source: Wikimedia Commons / Mark Jones

Why are Meghan and Harry in the media spotlight again?

Harry and Meghan provoked controversy once again within the British royal family by launching a joint website, even though the family was frustrated about this idea. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex debuted their website which is called Sussex.com according to the Daily Mail. The use of this name has raised eyebrows among the royal family because it closely resembles “Sussex Royal”, a name which Queen Elizabeth II prohibited the couple from using a couple of years ago. This move has left the royal family displeased with a warning that the website may face termination if the couple fails to behave as the royal family expects them to do so.

To prevent Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from using their royal titles for commercial purposes after stepping away from royal duties, restrictions were placed on their use of the “Sussex” name. If there is any indication of commercial exploitation, the website associated with the name could be shut down. This decision has sparked controversy with some insiders criticising the move as distasteful.

Additionally, there is speculation about potential complaints from Buckingham Palace regarding the use of the “Sussex.com” name as they could be interpreted as production companies linked to Harry and Meghan’s contracts with Netflix and Spotify. However, some individuals defend Harry and Meghan’s right to use their family name arguing that it is a factual representation of their identity.

Read also:

Summer schedule: Dozens of weekly flights between Budapest and adored European destination – HERE
An introduction to Easter Traditions in Hungary: How do we celebrate It meaningfully – HERE

Featured image: depositphotos.com

March 10, 2024

What a tribute! Hungarian set decorator wins at the BAFTA Awards

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has bestowed the Best Production Design Award upon “Poor Things”.

As reported by Variety, one of the set designers for the blockbuster is Hungarian, Zsuzsa Mihalek. Alongside her, Shona Heath and James Price were entrusted with the set’s creation.

The Hollywood production, shot in Hungary, garnered eleven nominations from the British Film Academy and clinched five of them.

Emma Stone won Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in the film, as well as Best Make-up, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and the BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects.

Emma Stone won Best Actress in a Leading Role for her captivating performance in the film, which also received accolades for Best Make-up, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and the prestigious BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects.

You can watch the film‘s trailer, which showcases Mihalek’s visual prowess, below:

As we previously reported, experts are of the opinion that the Hungarian set decorator of Poor Things may win the Oscar!

Furthermore, starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek and Michael Shannon, the film centred around the Nuremberg trial is scheduled to commence filming in Hungary come March, more details HERE.

February 19, 2024

Historic concert: Hungarian pianist may play for King Charles III in Westminster Abbey

A 34-year-old Hungarian pianist will write history this Sunday. Zsombor Tóth-Vajna may play for King Charles III as the first ever Hungarian in the more than 700-year-long history of the abbey. And he was the one who invited Charles III to the event.

According to atv.hu, Zsombor Tóth-Vajna is a PhD student at the Royal College of Music, the world’s nr 1 institute of higher education in music. His research focuses on the organ music of the 17th century. That is why the Westminster Abbey contacted him a year ago.

“It is an exceptional honour and responsibility to play at this place. Westminster Abbey is a special place for me because that is the centre of Anglican culture. Several monarchs have been buried there, and it is the coronation church of the United Kingdom”, the Hungarian pianist said.

He said he would never forget the day when he received the abbey’s invitation email. “I was very happy when I got it. I immediately phoned my sibling and my parents. They said they would come to the concert”, Mr Tóth-Vajna said.

There is a special guest on Zsombor’s list: the British monarch, Charles III. His friends living in London told him it was a custom to invite Charles III to all the concerts performed in the abbey. Thus, he wrote an invitation with the help of his brother and printed it on a pretty paper.

The Hungarian pianist in the Vatican:

Charles III has at least one Hungarian friend

Zsombor Tóth-Vajna has been regarded as a prodigy ever since his childhood. He graduated from the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music. Afterwards, he continued his studies in Amsterdam. However, in Budapest, he graduated as a doctor at Semmelweis University, where he studied concurrently. He is a frequent guest of Hungarian and international concerts. Apart from several European countries, he already performed in the United States.

The Westminster Abbey concert will be held on 18 February at 5 PM local time. Entry it is free.

The abbey said in a Facebook post that “we’ll be welcoming organist Zsombor Tóth-Vajna to the Abbey at 5 PM on Sunday when he’ll be giving a recital of music by Blow, Purcell and Handel. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome”, they concluded. HERE, you may read the full program.

If Charles III reads the invitation and sees that a Hungarian pianist is performing, he may go. The British monarch was a regular guest in Transylvania and bought several properties there. One of them, where he regularly spends some days each summer, is in a village populated only by Hungarians. HERE is our article about it.

Furthermore, one of his best friends is a Hungarian man. Count Tibor Kálnoky lives in Miklósvár in Transylvania in a renovated castle and regularly meets the British monarch in Zalánpatak. We wrote about Count Kálnoky in THIS article.

February 17, 2024

Win a trip of a lifetime to a mystery destination with Hungarian Wizz Air!

Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest-growing and most environmentally sustainable airline globally*, is offering Brits the chance to win a trip of a lifetime to a mystery destination as part of its new #LetsGetLostwithWIZZ campaign.

The flight will depart from London Gatwick to the unknown destination on the 7th of March. Those selected can expect a jam-packed four-day itinerary of fun, including cultural, culinary and adventure activities, Wizz Air wrote.

The question of kaftans and swimsuits or snow gear and hiking boots will be answered before departure, with winners only being told what climate to pack for a few days ahead of the trip. No other clues will be revealed until touching down in the unknown location.

For a chance to win a seat on the plane, UK residents can visit the Wizz Air Instagram and follow the prompts on the latest Instagram reel posted at 8 am on 15th February. Entries close on 22nd February 00.01. Those selected will be able to bring a plus one on the trip and winners will be contacted via Instagram.

Wizz Air flies to more than 70 destinations from the UK

From sun to snow and mountains to beaches, Wizz Air flies to more than 70 destinations from the UK. Last year, the most popular destinations for Brits included Morocco, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and Spain, with many other off-the-beaten-track destinations proving popular with young travellers and families.

UK Wizz Air Managing Director, Marion Geoffroy said: “We love connecting our passengers to new countries, allowing them to meet new people and try new experiences. Going on a flight to an unknown destination is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we are pleased to be able to offer this to lucky winners here in the UK! Let’s Get Lost is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our British passengers and we hope to continue serving them as they travel the world and make new memories.”

Wizz Air has completed other Get Lost campaigns from Italy, Abu Dhabi, and Vienna.

Check out the full video of the latest action-packed Let’s Get Lost campaign HERE.

Read also:

Wizz Air closes and suspends flights to popular holiday destinations – Read more HERE
Wizz Air launches new flights to this European metropolis – Details in THIS article

February 16, 2024

PHOTO: Oscar-winning British actor visits Budapest

Budapest is a place many celebrities love to visit – and revisit. Whether it’s for a shoot, a business trip, or a personal vacation, world-known stars frequent the Hungarian capital. Just like on 29 January, when the Oscar-winning British actor Eddie Redmayne popped up in a café.

Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne stopped by for coffee today.

– Madal Cafe wrote on its Facebook page, sharing a photo with the 42-year-old actor.

British actor Eddie Redmayne is back in Budapest after appearing at a student protest last year, which we reported HERE. (According to Blikk’s article at that time, the actor was presumably unaware that he was taking part in a protest – he even posed for selfies with people during the demonstration.)

The Oscar-winning artist has previously starred in films such as The Pillars of the Earth, The Theory of Everything and Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them. This time, the Hollywood star turned up at a café in Budapest, where he was happy to pose for photos with fans and staff, Index writes.

Read also:

Hollywood celebrities visit Budapest

Apart from Redmayne, several world-famous celebrities are planning to visit the Hungarian capital this year. For example, Eric Roberts, brother of Julia Roberts, and Graham McTavish are to show up at this May’s Comic Con in Budapest. Roberts is the star of Batman – The Dark Knight, while McTavish is featured in fantasy films and series like The Hobbit film trilogy. Read more HERE.

Not too long ago, Mark Ruffalo and Emma Stone were in Budapest, praising the Hungarian McDonald’s. In a joint interview with LadBible, the duo shared that what they liked to eat the most in the city was McDonald’s French fries. According to the two stars, when abroad, eating McDonald’s is a must-do. Ruffalo said they ate fast food every other day when they were in Hungary, and he even got Emma McDonald’s food. Emma said she loved to try the popular burger place everywhere she went.

A bit prior to Ruffalo and Stone’s interview, at the beginning of December last year, Angelina Jolie was spotted in a Budapest restaurant having lunch with ther son. Jolie had been in Budapest for months before that, shooting a film about the life of renowned opera singer Maria Callas. In December, the actress and her son enjoyed a hearty lunch at a Vietnamese soup kitchen called Dang Muoi on Attila Road in Budapest.

Superstars to perfom in Hungary

The live music scene in Hungary promises to be huge this year: HERE is a list of artists you will be able to see live this year in the country!

January 31, 2024

VIDEO: Storm Isha rages in UK, Wizz Air flight affected

A hurricane-force storm hit the United Kindgom on Sunday evening. It caused major traffic disruption across the island country. Several flights were only able to take off with significant delays, a huge number of flights were cancelled. The flight of Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air was also affected.

Isha arrives: Orange alert issued

The UK Met Office has issued the second highest, orange alert for almost the entire country: the Atlantic storm Isha has arrived, Economx reports. According to the report from the service on Sunday night, the strongest gusts of almost 150 kilometres per hour were recorded in the Snowdonia area of north Wales. However, winds of 90-120 kilometres per hour are also common in London and many other parts of the country.

Precautionary measures, no power due to the storm

In Scotland, the authorities have brought rail traffic to a complete halt from Sunday evening until Monday morning as a precautionary measure. In England and Wales, speed restrictions have been imposed on several sections of rail lines. More than 45,000 homes in Northern Ireland and 7,000 in England and Wales have lost power due to damage to the power lines.

According to The Guardian, rail services have been suspended since 7 PM on Sunday. Dozens of lines are closed due to fallen trees and flooding. One person was hit by falling debris after scaffolding came down in Belfast. The ambulance service attended to them at the scene.

storm isha uk belfast — A police officer secures the scene in Belfast city centre where hurricane-force winds knocked down a scaffolding used for construction work on 21 January 2024. Source: MTI/AP/PA/Rebecca Black

Read also:

Air traffic disrupted, flights cancelled and delayed, Wizz Air affected

Air traffic was disrupted mainly at airports in the north-west of England, Scotland and Ireland. At Dublin airport, 114 flights had been cancelled by Sunday evening, with many flights from the UK to Belfast diverted to other airports, Economx writes.

However, at Heathrow, the largest UK airport, traffic was steady despite the gale-force winds. There were no reports of flight cancellations until Sunday night. British Airways’ evening flight from Heathrow to Budapest took off after a one-hour delay. Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air’s Budapest flight from Luton airport was also able to depart after a delay of more than two hours.

Watch two Wizz Air planes try to land and fail due to the storm:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhZSV8HWl8g

Unusual cold before Isha, warmer weather after it

Storm Isha, which struck the British Isles from the Atlantic Ocean, was forecast to have passed by Monday morning. It was unseasonably cold in the UK for more than a week before the storm arrived. Temperatures in the north reached well below -10 degrees Celsius in the mornings. However, Storm Isha brought significant relief: highs of plus 10-14 degrees Celsius are forecast for this week.

According to The Guardian, Storm Isha is the ninth named storm that hit the UK since the season began in September.

January 22, 2024

Major changes to Budapest–London flights in summer

This summer, easyJet is amending the frequency of many of its flights to and from the UK. Budapest is also affected.

Between June and the end of September, easyJet is reducing the frequency of its Budapest-London Gatwick service from 7 to 5 flights per week.

During the month of July and August 2024, easyJet is adjusting operational frequencies on various routes to and from the UK, based on schedule comparison 17 December 2023 vs 14 January 2024, Aeroroutes reports.

Among others, flights from London to Budapest, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Krakow, and Munich are affected. Find more information HERE.

Read also:

January 19, 2024

Wizz Air passengers refunded, regulator satisfied

Enforcement action against Wizz Air has led to £1.24 million being refunded to passengers, the UK Civil Aviation Authority has announced.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority took enforcement action against Wizz Air last year following significant concerns over high volumes of complaints about the airline not paying passengers what they are owed and failing to meet its passenger rights obligations.

Passengers were left frustrated because they believed the airline had failed to meet its passenger rights obligations, particularly around providing alternative flights to enable passengers to get to their destinations when their flight had been cancelled.

Passengers also felt Wizz Air was not providing appropriate care when flights were significantly delayed.

The undertakings required Wizz Air to make changes to its policies to ensure that in future it consistently complies with its re-routing and care obligations.

Wizz Air was also required to review previously assessed claims it received for replacement flight costs, transfers when replacement flights were via different airports, and care and assistance (typically hotel costs) following flight disruption.

The airline cooperated with the action and has now completed its review of claims. This has led to more than 25,000 claims being re-examined, and additional payments given in around 6,000 cases.

Paul Smith, Consumer Director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“This is good news for passengers and our concerns have been validated by the outcome of our actions.

“While we welcome the steps taken by Wizz Air after falling short in its treatment of disrupted passengers, airlines should routinely look after passengers and uphold their rights when flights are delayed and cancelled.

“Passengers have every right to expect their claims to be resolved quickly, efficiently and in line with the regulations. These outcomes will now provide Wizz Air’s passengers with a better experience.”

The regulator’s action covered claims made for flights due to depart from or arrive into a UK airport on or after 18 March 2022.

No action was needed on the part of these passengers to ensure their claims were reviewed.

Following Wizz Air’s review of claims, the UK Civil Aviation Authority undertook sample checks to gain assurance that passengers have received what they were owed. These checks have provided confidence that Wizz Air has now met its air passenger rights obligations for these previously considered claims. These obligations apply to all airlines operating into and from the UK.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority also worked closely and in cooperation with Wizz Air to improve its policies, procedures and passenger communications. UK passengers should now be better informed about their rights and options when faced with disruption.

Read also:

January 17, 2024

VIDEO: Hungarian Wizz Air’s stewardess spotted a purple UFO following their plane

Hungarian Wizz Air's stewardess spotted purple UFO that followed their plane

The 36-year-old flight attendant spotted an unidentified flying object, or unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP). She was on board a Wizz Air flight from England to Poland.

According to origo.hu, a Hungarian government-close online news outlet, a strange, purple-pink phenomenon appeared above the wing of Wizz Air’s Airbus during its journey from England to Poland. The plane took off in London-Luton and landed in Szymany, Poland.

The 36-year-old Denisa Tanase saw it and took a short video of the purple phenomenon with her phone.

Tanase said that the phenomenon followed the Airbus 320. Here is the video:

She reported the phenomenon to the captain, but he said nothing appeared on his or the air control’s radars.

“I have been working as a stewardess, but never before have I seen anything like that”, Denisa said.

Passengers saw the phenomenon as well. As a result, everybody acted confused on board, but nobody could explain what happened exactly. The pilots did not experience anything. At first, they thought that their pink uniform was mirrored by the plane’s window, but the phenomenon was following the aircraft.

She said he would not exclude that she saw something extraterrestrial. As an outsider, she would probably think it was Photoshop, however, she made the footage.

Read also:

UFO researcher: a specimen is also kept in Hungary – Read more HERE
Hungarians terrified due to seven UFOs spotted at night flying in formation – Details in THIS article

January 16, 2024

BBC: Lost Hungarian vizsla found in England with jaw-dropping new method

The dog’s owner could not find him, so she turned to a charity service, which used a brand new method to search for him. And they were successful.

An English family’s Hungarian vizsla disappeared, so they turned to the “Drone To Home” charity service for help, BBC wrote. They searched for him with a thermal drone and could reunite the lost animal with the family after 12 days.

“Ulysse appeared as a bright white blob in the video,” BBC wrote. The animal went missing on a walk in Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire and was found in a hedge.

Now, the dog owner tries to collect money for the organisation to help them buy a new drone. You can watch a video summing up what happened below:

The vizsla is one of the most diverse Hungarian dog breeds. It is a real Hungaricum loved by hundreds of people all over the world. They are smart, beautiful and will brighten your days.

Read also:

Vizsla, the world-famous Hungarian dog breed – Read more HERE
5 reasons to get a Hungarian vizsla – check out the details and videos in THIS article

January 13, 2024

Surviving the Chill: The Essential Role of Generator for Home in Winter

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As winter approaches in the UK, the possibly increased likelihood of power outages could bring various inconveniences to households. In these cold months, maintaining warmth and comfort becomes a challenge, highlighting the importance of a generator for home as a backup power source. Jackery, with its innovative solar generators, offers a reliable solution to ensure households remain cosy and functional during harsh winter conditions.

Adverse Effects of Power Outages on Households

In the heart of winter, the UK faces a stark reality: power outages are inconvenient and can escalate into critical situations, especially when temperatures plummet. Understanding the full spectrum of these outages’ impacts on households is crucial. Here, we delve into the details, underscoring the necessity of a reliable generator for home, such as those offered by Jackery.

1. Interrupt the Heating System

In winter, the heating system is not just about comfort; it’s a matter of survival. Traditional power-creating systems fail after exhausting all their stored energy, leaving homes vulnerable to dangerously low temperatures. Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to health complications, particularly for older people, children, and those with medical conditions. In the absence of electricity, households may resort to less safe heating methods, like open fires or gas heaters, which pose risks of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

2. Impact on Safety Systems

Power outages pose a significant threat to household safety, particularly affecting lighting and communication systems. In the absence of electricity, homes lose essential lighting, compromising visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. Darkened spaces hinder mobility and increase the likelihood of falls and injuries. Moreover, power disruptions disrupt communication channels, affecting emergency response capabilities. Loss of electricity undermines the functioning of security alarms, leaving households vulnerable to intrusions. In emergency situations, the inability to power communication devices diminishes the ability to seek help promptly, exacerbating the adverse consequences of power outages on overall household safety.

3. Impact on Basic Electrical Appliances

The negative effects of power outages stretch to our daily life activities. For instance, electric stoves and ovens become unusable, complicating meal preparation. Refrigerators and freezers stop working, risking food spoilage. Televisions, computers, and gaming systems go offline, impacting leisure activities and, more importantly, cutting off access to news updates during emergencies. Washing machines and electric water heaters cease functioning, affecting hygiene and comfort, which is particularly challenging during extended outages.

In light of these challenges, the role of a generator for home becomes not just a convenience but a necessity. A silent or backup generator like Jackery’s can be a game-changer.

Jackery’s generators are designed to kick in seamlessly during power outages, ensuring that heating systems operate, safety systems remain online, and basic appliances keep functioning. Their silent generator models are particularly advantageous in residential areas, minimizing noise pollution while providing essential power.

Moreover, Jackery’s focus on eco-friendly power solutions means their generators are effective during emergencies and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. The integration of solar technology in their generators, like the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro, represents a leap forward in combining emergency preparedness with environmental consciousness.

Advantages of Generators for Home in Winter

Winter brings unique challenges, particularly in maintaining comfort and safety in our homes. The role of a generator for home during these colder months is more than just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Let’s explore the multifaceted advantages of having a reliable home generator, like Jackery’s, during winter.

1. Ensure Continuity of Heating

Uninterrupted Heating: The primary function of a generator for home in winter is to ensure that the heating system continues to operate smoothly during power outages. This is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and safe indoor temperature.
Health and Comfort: Consistent heating is vital for health, particularly for vulnerable groups like older people or infants. A reliable generator protects these groups from the harsh winter cold.
Efficiency and Reliability: Jackery generators are known for their efficiency. They provide a steady power supply, ensuring that your heating systems work optimally without the risk of overloading or inefficiency.

2. Continuously Providing Convenience

Power to Essential Appliances: A generator for home ensures that essential appliances like refrigerators, cooking appliances, and lights remain operational. This continuity is vital for day-to-day comfort and convenience.
Silent Operation: Jackery’s silent generator models are designed to operate quietly, ensuring that your home remains a peaceful sanctuary, even when the generator is running.
Ease of Use: Jackery’s generators are user-friendly, with simple interfaces and clear instructions, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise.

3. Potential Cost Savings

Avoiding Spoilage and Damage: By keeping critical appliances running, a home generator can prevent costly problems like food spoilage or frozen pipes, which can lead to failed financial investments or costly repairs.
Long-Term Investment: While purchasing a generator has an upfront cost, it still wins the edge because of the significant long-term savings. Jackery’s generators are built to last, making them a wise investment for future winters.
Energy Efficiency: Jackery’s focus on cutting-edge technology means their generators produce and store more electricity compared to many of its peers. Its wide range of products offers eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions catering to diverse needs.

In addition to these practical benefits, Jackery’s generators bring security and peace of mind. Knowing that your home is prepared for winter power outages can alleviate a great deal of stress and anxiety that comes with the unpredictability of winter weather.

Moreover, Jackery’s commitment to innovation means its generators are continually evolving to satisfy the changing needs of consumers. It understands that a generator for home is not just about providing power. It’s about ensuring families’ safety, comfort, and well-being during the most challenging times of the year.

Prepare Generator for Home for the Upcoming Winter

As winter approaches, ensuring your home is equipped with a reliable generator for home becomes increasingly important. Preparing for the colder months involves more than just having a generator; it requires thorough consideration of diverse factors to ensure optimal performance and safety. Let’s delve into the key aspects of preparing your generator for home for winter, highlighting the superior offerings from Jackery in this domain.

1. Choose the Appropriate Size and Capacity

Assessing PowerNeeds: The first step in preparing a generator for home is to evaluate your household’s power requirements. This involves listing essential appliances and systems you must run during a power outage and calculating their total wattage.
Generator Sizing: Choosing a generator with the right capacity is crucial. A generator for house that is too small may not handle the load, while an overly large one could cause extra financial costs. Jackery offers a range of sizes, including the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro, to suit different household needs.
Future-Proofing: Consider future power needs as well. Investing in a slightly larger generator than currently needed can be a wise decision, as it accommodates any additional appliances or increased power requirements in the future.

2. Consider Winter Energy Efficiency

Conversion Efficiency: In winter, energy efficiency becomes even more critical. Jackery’s generators are designed for high efficiency, ensuring you get the most energy in different conditions.
Local Climate: Choose a suitable generator based on the climate where you are located. Make sure what you choose is able to function in low temperature and maintain reliable performance.
Maintenance Needs: Opt for generators that keep high energy efficiency with less maintenance needs. In this way, you are more likely to enjoy a pleasant user experience.

3. Evaluate Security

Safe Operation: Prioritize generators with advanced safety features, like automatic shut-off in case of malfunctions, ensuring secure operation and minimizing hazards during winter weather conditions.
Weather Protection: Choose a generator equipped with weather-resistant housing to shield against winter elements. This feature safeguards the unit, promoting longevity and reliable functionality, even in harsh weather conditions.
Smart Monitoring: Opt for generators with integrated security features, such as remote monitoring capabilities. The convenient collection of its operation data ensures you find potential troubles in time.

4. Evaluate Installation Location

Ventilation: Prioritize a well-ventilated location to ensure optimal performance. Adequate ventilation prevents overheating, enhancing the efficiency and lifespan of the solar generator.
Protection from Elements: Consider the impact of winter weather on your generator. A location that offers protection from snow, rain, and extreme cold will ensure the longevity and reliability of your generator.

In preparing your generator for home for winter, these considerations are vital. Jackery’s range of generators, known for their efficiency, safety, and versatility, offers excellent options for any household. By choosing the right size and capacity, focusing on energy efficiency, ensuring safety and security, and selecting an optimal installation location, you can ensure that your home remains warm, safe, and comfortable throughout the winter months.

Recommendation: Jackery’s Solar Solutions for Home

Jackery is a leading provider of innovative power solutions for a reliable and efficient home generator, especially during the harsh winter. Let’s explore the unique features and benefits of Jackery’s top models, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro and Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro, and why they are ideal for your home power needs.

1. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

Compact Powerhouse: The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is a compact yet powerful unit, perfect for medium-sized homes. It offers a balance of portability and power, making it an excellent choice for those who need a reliable power source without the bulkiness of traditional generators.
Solar Efficiency: This model harnesses solar energy, making it an eco-friendly option. Its 25% efficiency rate solar panels ensure that its battery can be fully charged in less time. This feature is particularly beneficial during winter when sunlight hours are reduced.
Silent Operation: One of the standout features of the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is its silent operation. Unlike traditional backup generators, it operates without the loud noise, making it ideal for residential areas where noise pollution is a concern.
User-Friendly Interface: The generator has an intuitive interface, making monitoring power usage and managing energy consumption easy. This user-friendly design is perfect for those who may not be technically inclined.

2. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro

High Capacity for Larger Homes: The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is designed for larger homes or those with higher power demands. It offers a substantial power capacity, ensuring that your essential appliances remain operational during a power outage.
Advanced Solar Technology: This model features state-of-the-art solar technology, providing faster charging and higher efficiency. It’s an ideal solution for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring their home remains powered.
Versatile and Reliable: The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is not just a generator for home; it’s a versatile power solution that can also be used for outdoor activities. Its reliability and versatility make it a valuable addition to any household.
Safety Features: Jackery places the utmost emphasis on ensuring safety. This model has multiple safety features, including over-voltage protection and temperature detection, ensuring safe operation in various conditions.

Reasons Why Choosing Jackery Generators for Your Home

Eco-Friendly Power: Jackery’s commitment to sustainable power solutions is evident in their solar generators. By choosing a Jackery generator, you’re ensuring a reliable power source for your home and contributing to a greener planet.
Cost-Effective: Using a Jackery solar generator over time can significantly save energy bills. The long-term savings and the reduced need for traditional fuel sources offset the initial investment.
Ease of Use: Jackery generators are designed with the user in mind. Their easy-to-use interfaces and straightforward operation make them accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise.
Reliability: A reliable power source is crucial in unpredictable weather and frequent power outages. Jackery generators are known for their dependability, giving you peace of mind during winter.

Conclusion

Jackery stands out with its distinctive selling points in the generator for home. Its products, especially the silent generator and backup generator models, are designed to provide a stable power supply during cold winters. With a focus on sustainability, reliability, and efficiency, Jackery’s solar generators are an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their home’s resilience against power outages. Its innovative approach to portable power solutions makes it a leader in the industry, offering peace of mind and comfort during the winter season.

January 11, 2024