Renowned Dutch violinist André Rieu will return to Budapest for an extraordinary concert, leading the world-famous Johann Strauss Orchestra. Set to take place at the MVM Dome in November 2025, the performance will feature several internationally acclaimed soloists, promising an unforgettable event.
André Rieu, a longtime favourite of Hungarian audiences, is coming back to Budapest with an impressive show, Travelo reports. With over 40 million albums sold, more than 500 platinum awards, nearly 10 million followers on Facebook, and billions of views on YouTube, Rieu remains one of the most successful performers globally, attracting over half a million concertgoers annually.
“Rieu’s popularity in Hungary is undeniable, which is why tickets for his November concert sold out in no time,” stated Roland Horváth, CEO of Koncertpromo, the company organising the event.
Due to the overwhelming demand—and much to the delight of his fans—Rieu has agreed to return next year, and he has a surprise in store for the Hungarian audience, according to the event’s main organiser.
Attendees can look forward to another enchanting evening, featuring timeless classics from opera, musicals, and light operas, along with beautiful film scores, popular tunes, and of course, Rieu’s signature romantic waltzes. The performance will be enhanced with lavish costumes and stunning visual effects, offering a magical experience that transcends generations.
Tickets are already on sale for the concert scheduled for 28 November 2025 – get yours HERE.
A sneak peek of the electric atmosphere at Rieu’s concerts:
Iron Maiden is set to return to Budapest next year, marking another milestone performance. In May 2025, the legendary British rock band will kick off the European leg of their “Run For Your Lives” world tour at the Budapest Sportarena. This tour celebrates the 50th anniversary of the band’s founding in 1975 and will feature a setlist showcasing music from their early, career-defining decades, according to the event’s organiser, Live Nation.
Following their Budapest show on 27 May, the tour will continue across Europe, with a total of 27 performances in stadiums, arenas, and festivals. The song selection will draw from Iron Maiden’s first nine studio albums, covering everything from their 1980 debut album Iron Maiden to 1992’s Fear of the Dark, in honor of the band’s half-century of heavy metal dominance.
Fans can expect a rare treat, with the band promising to perform tracks that haven’t been played in years, and some that may never be heard live again.
Supporting Iron Maiden during this part of the tour, including the Budapest show, will be American rock band Halestorm. Iron Maiden doesn’t need to be dusted off for their anniversary – they’re currently touring under “The Future Past,” keeping them actively engaged with their fans.
Iron Maiden has performed in Hungary 14 times, Telex reports, most recently in 2022 at the Groupama Arena. Earlier this year, lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson also had a solo show at Barba Negra. Their first-ever Hungarian concert took place in 1984, drawing nearly 50,000 fans to the parking lot of the old Budapest Sports Hall.
The band’s origins
The band’s name originates from a fictional torture device, and they were formed by bassist Steve Harris in December 1975. After several lineup changes, the band’s classic lineup took shape in 1982. Between 1982 and 1986, Iron Maiden hit their peak, constantly touring with albums like The Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, and Powerslave. Frontman Bruce Dickinson briefly left the band in 1993, replaced by Blaze Bayley, but he returned in 1999, bringing an end to a challenging period for the band.
The current lineup. Top: Steve Harris (L), Dave Murray (R). Middle: Adrian Smith (L), Bruce Dickinson (R). Bottom: Nicko McBrain (L), Janick Gers (R). Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Iron Maiden’s most recent studio album, Senjutsu, was released in 2021. The current lineup consists of Dickinson, Harris, guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Janick Gers, and drummer Nicko McBrain, who is back after recovering from a stroke earlier this year. The band was inducted into Hollywood’s RockWalk in 2005, and with over 100 million albums sold and nearly 2,500 performances in 64 countries, they remain one of the most iconic names in rock.
The title of European Capital of Culture, which the town of Veszprém and the Lake Balaton region held last year, presented a good opportunity to “reposition” the region, the regional development minister told an international conference assessing the experiences of the programme and the opportunities of the region.
Repositioning Veszprém
Tibor Navracsics praised the region’s richness in historical landmarks, natural beauty, culture and traditions, and said it was on par with “other, more popular touristic regions in western Europe”.
The programme aimed to strengthen local communities, “and to showcase Hungarian elements in European culture and European traits in Hungary’s culture,” Navracsics said.
Organisers have emphasised the reconstruction of buildings rather than infrastructure as it is habitual during the ECC year, and they focused on sustainability, he said.
The programmes involved 116 localities, in a co-financing model that made sure every locality contributed to the success, he said.
Hopefully, the region would go on to become a “creative region”, with the creative industries dominant in its economy, he said. Infrastructure developments would be another feature to focus on, he added.
Following the hugely popular “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” exhibition, the “Claude Monet Budapest: The Immersive Experience” multimedia exhibition is set to take centre stage
Turizmus reports that a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing the works of Claude Monet will open at the BOK Hall in mid-October, bringing his masterpieces to life through 2,000 square metres with unique projection screens. The immersive experience will combine 21st-century technology with Monet’s most famous works, offering visitors a multi-sensory journey into the world of one of the leading figures of Impressionism. The exhibition will not only feature spectacular visual displays but also provide deeper insights into Monet’s life and artistic journey.
Photo: Facebook / Claude Monet Budapest – The Immersive Experience
A unique experience
Attendees will be treated to a 360-degree sound and light show, featuring eight of Monet’s iconic paintings, such as Poppy Field andHaystacks, enhanced through virtual reality. In addition to the visual feast, interactive elements will allow visitors to create their own digital artworks, which will then be projected onto the exhibition’s walls, providing a unique and engaging artistic experience.
Prices, opening hours
Ticket prices for the Claude Monet Budapest exhibition range from HUF 6,500 (EUR 16.41) for adults on weekdays and HUF 7,500 (EUR 18.93) on weekends, with discounted rates for students and pensioners at HUF 6,000 (EUR 15.15) and HUF 7,000 (EUR 17.67). Children under 12 can attend for HUF 4,500 (EUR 11.36) on weekdays and HUF 5,500 (EUR 13.88) on weekends. In addition, VIP tickets are also available. The exhibition will be open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, Fridays from 10 am to 8 pm, and weekends from 9 am to 7 pm.
Classical culture has a key role nowadays, the minister for culture and innovation said, addressing the grand gala closing the 6th Éva Marton International Singing Competition in the Hungarian State Opera on Sunday evening.
Éva Marton International Singing Competition, a celebration of classical culture
Balázs Hankó, who was also the patron of the event, welcomed that “the competition opens up a wealth of career opportunities for the participants”. He thanked participants that they helped preserve cultural values and pass them on from generation to generation.
Commending world-renowned soprano Éva Marton, the event’s namesake, Hanko said that her charisma had left an unforgettable mark on the world’s most prestigious opera stages. “Éva Marton is a shining star not only of Hungary but of the world of opera, she is an inspiration for generations,” the minister said.
Marton welcomed that the competition had maintained its level of prestige since its launch, adding that “in fact, better and better singers appear on stage year by year who set the bar high for the contestants”.
The first prize of the competition went to Korean tenor Park Jihoon, the second prize to Romanian baritone Mihai Damian and the third prize to Chinese mezzo-soprano Wu Hongni. Marton’s personal special prize was awarded to Russian soprano Alexandra Zotova, while the audience prize went to Korean soprano Yeo Yeeun.
US actor John Malkovich will appear in a production with pianist Anastasya Terenkova at the House of Music in Budapest on 17-18 November.
John Malkovich to perform in Budapest
Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt
Malkovich will be the narrator of the performance dubbed The Infamous Ramirez Hoffman which is based on a novel by Roberto Bolano.
The piece will be performed with Hungarian overtitles three times at the House of Music: from 6 PM and 8.30 PM on 17 November and from 8.30 PM on 18 November.
Terenkova‘s chamber trio will perform music by, among others, Astor Piazzolla, Antonio Vivaldi, Max Richter and Eric Satie, and the performances will be followed by short question-and-answer sessions with the actor and the audience.
The highly anticipated film Alien: Romulus has surprised audiences not only with its gripping story and terrifying creatures but also with an unexpected performance. The film, directed by Fede Álvarez, features an incredibly tall and menacing creature, but unlike many modern movies, this monster isn’t a product of CGI. Instead, the nightmare-inducing alien is played by a real person—Robert Bobroczkyi, a 24-year-old Hungarian man who stands an astonishing 231 cm tall.
Alien: Romulus‘ terrifying creature portrayed by Hungarian man
Álvarez recently shared a behind-the-scenes clip on social media, revealing a key scene from Alien: Romulus, IGN.hu reports. In this footage, Bobroczkyi is seen preparing for a critical moment in which he hunts down one of the film’s main characters, portrayed by Cailee Spaeny. The director emphasised the physical presence and talent Bobroczkyi brought to the role, remarking on his ability to deliver such a terrifying performance in his very first acting role.
Born in Arad, Romania, in 2000, Robert Bobroczkyi comes from a family of athletes. His father, Zsigmond Bobróczky, was a professional basketball player, standing at 217 cm, while his mother, Brunhilde, 186 cm tall, played both handball and volleyball at a high level. Robert’s incredible height became apparent early on; by the time he was 12 years old, he had already outgrown his father, reaching 218 cm. From the ages of 8 to 13, Bobroczkyi was even taller than Robert P. Wadlow, who holds the title of the tallest person ever recorded, at his age.
Bobroczky’s first role
Bobroczkyi moved to Ohio during his teenage years to pursue his education. Unlike Wadlow, whose height was due to a medical condition, Bobroczkyi’s growth was deemed completely natural. This allowed him to follow in his father’s footsteps and briefly pursue a basketball career. However, his dreams of going professional were cut short by a severe case of scoliosis, a condition that affects the spine, HVG reports.
Unable to continue his basketball career, Bobroczkyi shifted his focus to the film industry, with Alien: Romulus marking his debut on the big screen. His role in the movie has garnered significant attention due to his striking height and haunting portrayal of the xenomorph-human hybrid. This creature, referred to as the “Offspring,” is a deeply unsettling figure that emerges from the character played by Isabela Merced. In one of the movie’s most disturbing scenes, the hybrid leans in to “feed” from Merced’s character in a moment that had viewers shuddering.
Perfect for the part
Interestingly, Bobroczkyi’s height and physique required very little alteration for the role. His towering presence was perfect for the part, and Álvarez made the deliberate choice to avoid excessive digital enhancement, preferring the raw terror of a real actor in the costume. Some fans of the franchise have been divided over the introduction of this xenomorph-human hybrid, as it’s reminiscent of the controversial Predalien from earlier films. However, there’s no denying the bone-chilling effect Bobroczkyi’s portrayal had on audiences, with his performance blending human intelligence, demonic energy, and something otherworldly.
Behind the scenes, the creature’s inclusion almost didn’t happen. Initially, the studio executives were hesitant to greenlight the hybrid’s appearance, fearing it might not fit the established lore of the Alien franchise. However, Álvarez stood firm in his vision, ultimately convincing the studio that the hybrid was essential to the film’s narrative. In some scenes, the director admitted to combining practical effects with CGI and even artificial intelligence to fully bring the creature to life, but Bobroczkyi’s presence on set gave the alien a terrifyingly real edge.
Bobroczky’s performance widely praised
Though Alien: Romulus has faced some criticism, particularly concerning its final act, Bobroczkyi’s performance has been widely praised. His unique height and ability to embody the eerie, otherworldly character have made him a standout in the film. Fans of the franchise and casual viewers alike have been left intrigued by this young Hungarian talent, who, despite his initial struggles in sports, has found a new path in the world of film. As Alien: Romulus continues to draw audiences, Bobroczkyi’s debut may mark the beginning of a promising career in cinema.
This year’s “Napi Mázli Superconcert” will take place on 21 September at Heroes’ Square in Budapest, featuring superstar Ricky Martin as the headline act. The announcement was made by Andrea Mager, CEO of Szerencsejáték Plc. (Hungary’s main gambling company), during a press conference in Budapest on Wednesday. Other performers will include popular Hungarian artists Metzker Viktória, Regán Lili, and T. Danny.
Free superconcert on Heroes’ Square
Mager highlighted that the superconcert series has provided free, registration-free musical experiences for tens of thousands of people over the years. After being held at different venues, this year’s concert returns to the iconic Heroes’ Square, allowing the public to enjoy the music in a grand setting.
In addition to the entertainment, attendees can also contribute to a charitable cause by purchasing lottery tickets at the event. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to the Ökumenikus Segélyszervezet (Hungarian Interchurch Aid) to support disadvantaged families, continuing the tradition of past years.
Kristóf Gáncs, Executive Director of the charity, recalled that last year’s concert raised HUF 8.5 million (EUR 21,630), which helped fund the operations of the “Safe Start Children’s House” in Szendrő. This initiative supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds from infancy onward. Gáncs also announced a new four-year strategic partnership between Szerencsejáték Plc. and the charity, with plans to launch a dedicated lottery ticket next year, the proceeds of which will directly benefit the organisation’s work.
Last year’s superconcert attracted around 50,000 attendees to Szoborpark, with an additional 15,000 people tuning in online. This year’s event celebrates the launch of Szerencsejáték Plc.’s new lottery game, Napi Mázli (Daily Luck), hence the event’s official name: “Napi Mázli Superconcert.”
Ricky Martin to perform his greatest hits in Budapest!
Ricky Martin will perform in Budapest in September. Photo: depositphotos.com
The show will kick off with a DJ set by Metzker Viktória, followed by performances from rapper and singer T. Danny and pop artist Regán Lili. The grand finale will be Ricky Martin’s performance, featuring spectacular visuals and some of his biggest hits like “Livin’ la Vida Loca” and “She Bangs”.
As in previous years, people with disabilities will have access to an accessible viewing platform close to the stage, with an exclusive entry point reserved for them to ensure ease of access. For the latest updates on the concert, fans can visit the official website (szuperkoncert.szerencsejatek.hu) or follow Szerencsejáték Plc. on social media.
Starting in 2025, a five-story building in New York will be dedicated to promoting Hungarian culture, with a special emphasis on folk traditions. This Hungarian art centre will feature a restaurant, gallery, and community spaces.
The Tulipán Foundation, officially known as the Réka Darida Foundation, plans to reopen its five-story building at 1065 Madison Avenue in New York in 2025 as the Tulipán Center for Hungarian Arts, according to Index.
As stated on their website, Tulipán represents a lively blend of tradition and modernity, deeply rooted in the richness of Hungarian culture. “Tulipán embodies a vibrant and dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation, rooted in the richness of Hungarian culture. By celebrating Hungary’s past and present, and showcasing the diverse and multifaceted expressions of its art and life, Tulipán offers visitors a rich and layered experience that captures the promise and spirit of the Hungarian people.”
The centre will include a restaurant, art gallery, and community spaces, all aimed at continuing the foundation’s mission of sharing the beauty of Hungarian culture with the world.
The Darida Réka Scholarship Programme, run by the foundation, provides one-year scholarships to exceptionally talented artists specialising in the folk arts and crafts of the Carpathian Basin or those rooted in Hungarian historical traditions. This programme supports artists both in Hungary and in neighbouring countries.
Preserving Hungarian culture in New York
Source: FB / Tulipán Foundation
The Tulipán Foundation’s mission is to create new opportunities for knowledge transfer through educational, artistic, and community programmes. It aims to support Hungarian art, with a particular focus on folk art and its contemporary interpretations, and to present these to a wider American audience. Additionally, the foundation serves the Hungarian American diaspora through its various programmes.
The 2023 Fellows exhibition, curated by Ágnes Fülemile, a researcher at the Institute of Ethnography, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, was one of the foundation’s recent events. The exhibition, which ran until 20 May at the Tulipán Gallery in New York, successfully showcased the works of Hungarian artists who were awarded the Réka Darida Foundation Contemporary Crafts Fellowship, as Magyar Hírlap reported.
Source: FB / Tulipán Foundation
The foundation is also connected to the Festival of Crafts, held from 17 to 20 August this year. According to their website, three participating artists will receive awards in collaboration with the Federation of Folk Art Associations.
The Tulipán Foundation first announced a call for applications in 2021, intending to support Hungarian artists and educational institutions during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first exhibition of works by supported artists was held at the Tulipán Gallery, located at the foundation’s headquarters.
Réka Darida, who was born in Csenger and emigrated to New York in 2000, was a dedicated member and prominent supporter of the Hungarian art and community scene in New York until her passing. Since 2020, her family has continued the foundation’s work.
Read also:
Hungarian government announces 2024’s scholarships to help diaspora Hungarians – Read here
Hello HuGo, a useful app that collects Hungarian-related places in America and builds community – Read here
The Hauszmann Hall of Madame Tussauds Budapest will shine in festive lights for the holiday weekend of 20 August. At the entrance, visitors can meet a falcon, a hawk, an owl, and an eagle, while the world’s only wax statue of St. Stephen awaits visitors inside the exhibition.
Festive programmes at Madame Tussauds Budapest
Photo: Madame Tussauds Budapest
Those who visit Madame Tussauds Budapest as part of the holiday program can have a special experience. Extra programs and spectacles await guests on the long weekend. On 19-20 August, a master falconer and his birds will entertain visitors in front of the entrance, and animators dressed in historical clothing will walk the rooms of the building.
Of course, anyone can take a photo with the world’s only wax figure of St. Stephen as well. The wax figure of the founding monarch stands in the same Hauszmann Hall as King Matthias, Lajos Kossuth, István Széchenyi and Sándor Petőfi in the downtown palace, home to Madame Tussauds Budapest. When visitors stand next to the figure, background music enhances the charm of the atmosphere. The figure was created after several months of work in the company’s London studio, with the involvement of Hungarian experts.
Creating the figure of St. Stephen was not exactly an easy task: the only representation of him is on the coronation mantle. The piece of clothing, which originally functioned as an item for celebrants, may have been made during the king’s lifetime. Only the face of St. Stephen greets us from this ancient mantle, which can be seen today in the Hungarian National Museum. The sword shown in the production was partially modelled based on the assumed weapon that belonged to our legendary king and is now kept in Prague. The sword may have reached the Czech Republic on an adventurous journey centuries ago.
Photo: Madame Tussauds Budapest
During the long weekend, it’s also worth looking up occasionally, because, for the national holiday, a special light show makes the Hauszmann Hall even more impressive, while sometimes the beats of the rock opera Stephen, the King are played. For these few days, the Cinema Cafe is preparing festive bites in the form of tricolour macarons.
A video installation entitled Rumi Dreams by renowned Turkish-American contemporary multimedia artist Refik Anadol has been put on display at the MODEM in Debrecen, in eastern Hungary.
The large-scale video work on a 32sqm LED wall was inspired by the classic works of poet, philosopher, and theologian Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, who lived in Anatolia in the 13th century.
Speaking at the opening on the weekend, Turkish Ambassador Gulsen Karanis Eksioglu said that “Rumi’s messages of love, understanding, tolerance and forgiveness are well-known and are today of greater significance than ever before”.
She noted that the event had been organised as part of the Hungary-Türkiye cultural season, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, adding that this was the first time that Türkiye was presented in Debrecen.
After being showcased at the MoMA in New York, Las Vegas’ Sphere, and the Grammy Gala, Anadol’s artwork will be on display in the Debrecen gallery until September 29.
Photo Gallery:
read also:
This year’s Festival of Folk Arts will start on 17 August with Türkiye as honorary guest, details HERE
László Gyugyi, whose unparalleled collection of over 700 rare Zsolnay porcelain pieces became a centrepiece of the Zsolnay Quarter in Pécs, in southern Hungary, has died, aged 91, the collection’s curator said on Saturday.
Greatest Zsolnay collector Gyugyi dies at 91
László Gyugyi’s unparalleled collection of over 700 rare Zsolnay porcelain pieces became a centrepiece of the Zsolnay Quarter in Pécs. He died at the age of 91. Photo: MTI/Sóki Tamás
Gyugyi left Hungary in 1956, while a student at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and settled first in London and emigrated later to the United States, where he worked as an electrical engineer. He acquired his first piece of Zsolnay porcelain in 1974, after which he amassed an unmatched collection of rare pieces from the manufacturer’s golden age, the curator said in a statement.
The local council of Pécs purchased Gyugyi’s collection of 588 rare Zsolnay pieces in 2010 for 1.3 million euros and pledged to keep it on public display.
Gyugyi was an esteemed “guest” in Pécs where he returned as a visitor on a regular basis and received an honorary citizenship ten years ago, according to the statement.
Türkiye will be the honorary guest at this year’s Festival of Folk Arts to be held in the Buda Castle as part of the August 20 national holiday events, the organisers have said.
Organised in the framework of the Hungarian-Turkish cultural yearbetween Aug 17 and 20, the main theme of the largest folk arts event in Hungary will be Turkish influence and appearance in Hungarian folk art, they said in a statement.
The festivalwill feature more than 20 artists presenting Turkish ebru painting, calligraphy, weaving, felt and puppet making, coppersmithing, glassblowing as well as Turkish folk music and dance.
Photo: FB/Festival of Folk Arts/Mesterségek Ünnepe
It will also feature craftsmen from Britain, China, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mongolia, Poland, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
The festival’s programme includes craft demonstrations, workshops, concerts, fashion shows, dance performances as well as several events for children.
Rita Ora informed her fans on her social media page that after arriving in Budapest, she was hospitalised and spent the night there. She added that she has to follow the doctors’ instructions and is very sorry that she will not be able to perform on Saturday night at the Campus Festival in Debrecen.
Rita Ora concert cancelled in Debrecen
The line-up of the Campus Festival main stage had to be rearranged at the last minute: tonight’s headliner, Rita Ora, is unable to perform due to illness, Index reports.
The organisers immediately changed the evening’s programme and moved another act, the band Zenevonatival az LGT sztárjaival, originally positioned on the University of Debrecen Stage (Debreceni Egyetem Színpada), to the main stage. According to the current line-up, ByAlex és a Slepp and Magdi Rúzsa will close the programme.
András Süli, the festival’s programme director, told Index: “Around 3 PM today, Rita Ora’s management informed us that the singer, who has been in Budapest since yesterday, has been hospitalised with a serious acute problem and her condition will not allow her to perform today. Although the singer’s crew had been working on the technical preparations on the main stage of the Campus Festival since last night, unfortunately, the concert cannot take place. We will coordinate a possible make-up in the future. Rita Ora’s scheduled date will be Magdi Rúzsa’s concert.”
The singer wrote the following on her Facebook page:
“Please forgive this unexpected turn of events but sadly I will not be able to perform at Campus Fesztivál tonight. Having spent the night in hospital in Budapest, I must rest thoroughly and follow doctors orders. I am so sorry to my fans who are going to be there today and I’m truly thankful for your understanding.”
A mysterious figure has been seen throughout Budapest recently. Who is he and what is he doing on top of Budapest landmarks?
The Umbrella Man (Esernyős Ember) was last seen on the roof of the Puskás Arena. He has also been spotted on the Liberty Bridge and the Budapest Eye at Elizabeth Square.
Umbrella Man on top of Budapest
At the highest point of Buda Palace, home to the Supervisory Centre and Money Museum of the National Bank of Hungary (Magyar Nemzeti Bank, MNB), the silhouette of an unfamiliar face, the Umbrella Man, was seen, Economx writes.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Hungarian National Bank. The centenary celebrations have inspired artists, including the Hungarian stuntman known as the Umbrella Man, who teamed up with photographer Péter Kálló to create this pre-planned project.
The Umbrella Man most recently appeared on the roof of the Puskás Arena, but he has also appeared on the Fire Tower in Sopron, the Liberty Bridge, the Budapest Eye, the Gömbkilátó in Balatonboglár, the top of the St. Gallért statue, and the highest point of the Kelenföld Power Plant.
This year, Sziget Festival welcomes unique female artists who promise to transport audiences into entirely new realms with their performances. Among the diverse lineup, Tibetan singer Yungchen Lhamo and American DJ Honey Dijon stand out, each bringing a distinct cultural and musical flavour.
For those in Budapest searching for extraordinary musical experiences, there’s no need to look further, Index writes. This year’s Sziget Festival features Honey Dijon, a human rights activist and renowned DJ, alongside Tibetan refugee Yungchen Lhamo.
Honey Dijon: The heart of house music and activism
Honey Dijon, born Honey Redmond, hails from Chicago, the birthplace of house music. Her illustrious career has seen her perform at legendary venues like Berghain in Berlin and Output in New York, and at major festivals such as Glastonbury and Coachella. She is no stranger to Sziget Festival either, having performed here multiple times.
Dijon’s artistry blends house, techno, and disco elements into an exciting mix. She is celebrated both as a DJ and a producer for her technical prowess and profound passion for music. Her work merges authentic house sounds with modern twists, creating a unique and refreshing auditory experience.
Her debut album, “The Best of Both Worlds,” is a standout, achieving great success in the dance music scene and earning critical acclaim. Beyond music, Dijon collaborates frequently with other artists and fashion brands, showcasing her versatility and creativity.
A significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community, Honey Dijon openly embraces her identity and advocates for equality and inclusion, inspiring and supporting community members worldwide.
Yungchen Lhamo: The healing voice from Tibet at Sziget Festival
Yungchen Lhamo’s name means “Goddess of Melody” in Tibetan, a tribute to her birth near a sacred spring. Her journey as an artist began with her escape from Tibet to find refuge in India, eventually reaching Australia in 1989, where her international music career took off.
Lhamo’s music blends traditional Tibetan folk elements with modern sounds, creating a unique spiritual and meditative experience. Her songs often incorporate Tibetan Buddhist teachings and mantras, radiating peace and serenity. Her deep, expressive voice and the spirituality embedded in her music have earned her numerous international accolades.
Yungchen Lhamo’s debut album, Tibetan Prayer, released in 1995, was a major success and marked her introduction to the world music market. This was followed by her album Coming Home, which expanded her unique sound to an even broader audience. She has released several albums and performed at prestigious festivals, concert halls, and spiritual events around the globe.
Beyond her musical career, Yungchen Lhamo is an active human rights advocate. She participates in numerous charitable and human rights organisations, dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture and identity. Through her voice and artistry, she not only entertains but also inspires and promotes the ideals of peace, love, and compassion.
Despite their different musical styles, both Honey Dijon and Yungchen Lhamo share a commitment to human rights, drawing from personal experiences of overcoming adversity and using their platforms to amplify marginalised voices. This year’s Sziget Festival offers a rare opportunity to experience the transformative power of their performances.
Lando Norris’ last encounter with a prized Herend porcelain did not go too well: in 2023, he accidentally smashed Max Verstappen’s winning trophy while celebrating after the Hungarian Grand Prix. But from the accident came a collaboration, and this year, the McLaren driver will wear a unique, hand-painted helmet adorned with famous Herend motifs.
Also reported by DNH at the time, the celebration after last year’s Hungarian Grand Prix was a memorable one. Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Sergio Pérez finished in the top three during the race, and as the usual post-race champagne parade began, Norris accidentally knocked Verstappen’s Herend porcelain first-place trophy to the ground, shattering it into pieces. The trophy was handmade by 30 people over six months and had an estimated value of EUR 40,000.
After the incident, the McLaren team apologised to Verstappen, and the Herend Porcelain Manufactory offered to replace the broken prize. Fortunately, it seems that there is no bad blood between Lando Norris and the Manufactory. The celebration gone awry last year has now brought a fruitful relationship.
Herend Porcelain Manufactory teams up with Lando Norris
As Bors writes, before this year’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Norris arrived in the country early to visit the Herend Porcelain Manufactory. Attila Simon, CEO of the Manufactory, said that the McLaren driver was shown around the building and the various stages of manufacture, and even tried his hand at porcelain painting.
The visit was obviously a success, so much so that Simon jokingly said,
“Lando passed his test very well, I offered him a job at the porcelain factory and he didn’t say no!”
As he pointed out, on a more serious note, “There was a long lead-up to this meeting. Herend has been the supplier of trophies to the Hungarian Grand Prix for many years. Lando is a serious favourite for the race. We are confident that the trophy will be in his hands this year.”
“You always have to look on the bright side of everything,” Simon added, referring to the accidental trophy-smashing of last year, continuing “Herend Porcelain is a value-creating community.”
Beautiful helmet from the Herend Manufactory to support a good cause
That is why this year, the McLaren driver will be wearing a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted helmet for the Grand Prix. Attila Simon said that eight months earlier, Lando Norris’ manager approached Herend Porcelain Manufactory with the idea of creating a helmet for the driver. The final look was selected from a number of designs and, as Attila Simon said, it shows “that an unusual event can turn into a value-creating relationship.”
Photo: Lando Norris / Facebook
“The whole idea obviously came from last year, in trying to make up for what happened,” Norris told reporters, continuing “and show my respect also, because I’m a big fan and I respect a lot the design, the time, and the effort that everyone does to create something so special.”
The joint work went well, with Norris saying, “We were able to create something with this helmet that has a real meaning, a message. It’s always very important to a driver what kind of helmet they are racing in. Thank you very much to the Herend family for this helmet.” Then, he added, “And next week I will start my work here!”
According to the Herend Porcelain Manufactory, the pattern of the Helmet was inspired by the “Hungarian motifs” (“Motifs Hongrois”) décor with the elements of Transylvanian embroideries of the 15th-17th centuries, supplemented with bee, bird, and butterfly motifs that are iconic to the manufactory. The artwork was hand-painted with a needle-point brush, over countless hours. The final result is a truly stunning work of art.
Photo: Lando Norris / Facebook
Photo: Lando Norris / Facebook
On social media, Norris wrote: “Honour to team up with @herendporcelain on this hand-painted masterpiece for Hungary. When we got together we knew we wanted to do something special and here it is. From the bottom of my heart thank you (and sorry about last year).”
After the race on Sunday, the unique helmet will be signed by Lando Norris and auctioned off with the proceeds donated to charity.
Wizz Air unveiled the 132nd member of its fleet at an event at the Airbus factory in Hamburg. The Airbus A321neo, registration number 9H-WNM, has been given a unique livery to mark the airline’s 20th anniversary and will be operated as part of the Wizz Air Malta fleet, flying to nearly 200 destinations.
Unique graphics on the Wizz Air aircraft
The new livery features the company’s iconic colors while also symbolizing the airline’s commitment to sustainability. The intertwining leaves in the graphic are painted in the classic WIZZ pink and blue, with a more vibrant green hue, creating a dynamic visual that embodies the airline’s spirit. This integration of imagery and color reinforces the airline’s brand identity and highlights its environmental consciousness so that the company’s commitment is visible above the clouds.
Éva Kerényi, who won the airline’s competition last year, designed the unique graphics on the aircraft.
“I was inspired by Wizz Air‘s sustainability logo, which depicts the aircraft as the veins of a leaf.Keeping with the leaf motif, my idea was to combine the ever-growing leaves with more subdued lines and the airline’s signature pink and blue colors.I think I have envisioned a subtle and elegant motif with leaves and vines wrapping around the fuselage.It all reflects my beloved contemporary style, Art Nouveau,” said Éva Kerényi, the winning graphic designer.
Source: Wizz Air
20 years of Wizz Air
Since its first flight on 19 May 2004 between Katowice in Poland and London in the UK, it has experienced significant growth. The airline has an extensive international network of 800 routes to nearly 200 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa and has carried nearly 400 million passengers globally.
“Wizz Air’s success over the past 20 years has been built on an exceptional fleet strategy.From day one, we have been operating aircraft from the state-of-the-art Airbus A320 family.The arrival of Airbus A321neo aircraft since 2019 has ensured that we are the fastest growing European airline, as well as the pioneer of the post-global recovery and the market player flying the highest proportion of new technology.We are delighted to continue our fruitful, lifelong partnership with Airbus.Thanks to their contribution, we will operate a fleet of 500 aircraft by the end of the decade, ” said Owain Jones, Wizz Air’s Director of Corporate Relations.
Source: Wizz Air
Key to the airline’s long-term development and sustainability strategy is the renewal of the fleet with Airbus A321neo aircraft. The model brings the most advanced aviation technologies currently available, while also offering significant environmental benefits. Compared to the previous model, noise and nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by almost 50 percent and fuel consumption by 20 percent. The ultra-low-cost airline’s fleet now comprises 220 aircraft, the vast majority of which, more than 60 per cent, are ‘neo’.
Source: Wizz Air
“We are delighted to welcome this unique symbol of our 20-year history and sustainability achievements.In addition to the continuous renewal of our technology, we are implementing several initiatives to improve our operational efficiency, including a major investment in sustainable jet fuel.We recently invested £ 5 million in the green fuel company Firefly as part of our medium-term strategy to reduce carbon emissions further.We aim to operate 10 percent of our flights on sustainable fuel by 2030.However, the key to achieving net zero emissions is industry collaboration and strategic investment in low-carbon technologies, backed by the necessary legislation and incentives from governments and policy makers.We are focused on joining forces with all partners in the industry on the path to net zero, ” said Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air’s Director of Sustainability.
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