Heritage Festival (Örökség Fesztivál), Szolnok

The Heritage Festival started life as the Ethnomusic, Folk and Folk Rock Festival in 1996, the millecentenary of the Hungarian Settlement in 896.

Held annually in mid-August, this large-scale series of events primarily aims to provide an opportunity for young musicians to meet the public. Participants draw their inspiration from Hungarian traditional folk music, the traditional music of Hungarians living outside the present borders of the country, music of ethnic minorities living in Hungary and ancient music of other peoples. In addition to preserving traditions these young artists endeavour to create a synthesis between modern styles and folk music.

Szolnok's prestigious music, arts and tradition-preserving festival also hosts artists from abroad and has welcomed performers from Poland, Vojvodina (a former Yugoslavian province), Slovakia and the United Kingdom.

Since 2000 the choice has been widened to include side events performances, productions and exhibitions of other genres. Thus the festival has developed into a festival of contemporary arts. The Tisza Boatmen's Square (Tiszai hajósok tér), venue of the concerts, has a very special atmosphere.