Sziget Festival faces logistical and heat challenges in Budapest

The Sziget Festival is underway in Budapest, marked by significant logistical efforts and challenges. The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) has implemented specialized services, including extra H5 HÉV, tram, and bus runs, as well as transfer services from Liszt Ferenc International Airport, to manage the expected crowds.

A major DJ Oti concert featuring Sebestyén Balázs drew approximately 65,000 attendees to Óbudai-sziget, causing considerable strain on local public transport and services. Reports indicated organizational difficulties, such as a failure in the online check-in system, long queues at food and beverage stands, and challenges with crowd control in extreme heat. Minister Dávid Vitézy noted that while the HÉV performed efficiently, the event underscored the necessity for modernizing the city's rail fleet.

Festival organizers are also addressing environmental and weather-related issues. To combat dust and heat, eight hectares of the festival grounds have been covered with protective mats. Measures have also been taken to prevent access to contaminated sections of the Danube near the Óbudai Gasworks. Additionally, the program includes the 'Bródy Dalok Napja,' a musical tribute featuring various Hungarian artists, and specialized health advice for attendees to avoid heatstroke.