Sunday 15/08/2010 23:03

Kasabian and Muse were phenomenal. The action continues into the small hours, but I’m heading home now. I think my children are still here! But I am happy that Sziget is about as safe as anywhere is for them to be.

Aside from the amazing music, Sziget has once again been a great opportunity to meet people - from government, politics, the arts, the media, diplomacy, you name it. And it’s been a reminder of how rich civil society is in Hungary these days. There are so many worthwhile organisations, trying to make a difference, whose work needs to be celebrated. Which is one of the things Sziget achieves.

That’s all from me this year. It’s been a fantastic event again. Thanks to my colleague Helga for processing and uploading this blog. And goodbye, Sziget 2010. Viszontlatasra!

Greg Dorey
British Ambassador to Hungary

Rocking it, village style

The Trio Wish Tree

Sunday 15/08/2010 18:53

The festival also offers opportunities to see something of Hungary’s rich cultural heritage. At the “Hungaricum” Village, the harvest is being celebrated this week through folk dance; traditional games and village skills; costume; baked goods; and of course palinka (fruit brandy) and wine!

When His Royal Highness (HRH) The Prince of Wales visited in March, he was keen to show respect for the local cultural heritage and promote the importance of conservation projects - as well as to drive forward our work on the environment and human rights issues. This genuine interest was much appreciated by his Hungarian hosts. You can read more about HRH’s visit on the Embassy website.

Now off to the Main Stage to get into a good position to watch Kasabian and Muse….

Sunday 15/08/2010 17:44

Passing through the H20 area, it sounds as if a good number of people have signed up to the Hungary “10:10” campaign (see earlier blog) during the festival, and promised to get their friends to join too. But if you missed your chance at Sziget don’t worry because you can find out more (and about many other issues) via the British Embassy website.

Sunday 15/08/2010 17:41

According to our police officers, Simon and Zoe, there were no crime reports from British fans at Sziget yesterday and only 6 or 7 in total up until then (stolen passports and money). We know that not everyone is reporting minor crimes, if they don’t intend to claim, but these figures are still very encouraging - including by comparison with other nationalities (there have been lots of reports from Dutch visitors). Simon and Zoe reckon our fans seem pretty well informed. It seems our consular messages are getting through, which is really encouraging. And it means that most of our fans are having a trouble-free, fun festival.

Sunday 15/08/2010 16:45

Into the home straight now and first stop is a performance by Cliptop Rabbit on the Open-Civil Stage. Talented lead singer Eva works for the British Chamber of Commerce in Budapest, one of our main partners here.

When I first arrived in Budapest in 1989 there were 2 or 3 British companies based here - now there are some 180 members of this dynamic Chamber, which performs valuable services for them, not least lobbying (together with the Embassy) for an improved business environment.

Trade turnover between the two countries in goods alone is worth around £3 billion annually, making it a very important market for the UK. Within this mix, we would like to increase the share of British goods coming to Hungary -  but at least a good selection of Cliptop Rabbit’s material consists of exports for the British music industry, even if they are a Hungarian group.

Greg Dorey
British Ambassador to Hungary