Vistula Sounds festival concludes in Bydgoszcz

The fifth edition of the Vistula Sounds International Festival, named after Irena Santor, concluded in Bydgoszcz after running from August 11 to 15. This jubilee edition marked a shift in the festival's history, with major events and the opening and closing ceremonies hosted at the Opera Nova.

The festival featured two primary vocal competitions: the International Song Competition and the Polish Song Competition. Participants competed across various age groups, including 14–16, 17–21, and 22–38 years old. A professional jury led by Grażyna Brodzińska evaluated the performers.

Annys Maria Batista Gonzalez from Cuba was awarded the Grand Prix. Other notable winners included Martyna Paterczyk, who received the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivode Award, and Natalia Jankiewicz, who received the Marshal of the Voivodeship Award. From Ukraine, Iwan Kłymenko won the Bydgoszcz Mayor Award, while the band Montanka received the Special Irena Santor Award.