Preview: Colours of Ostrava 2015

With 299 events spanning over 16 stages, this year’s line-up is the most extensive yet. Seventy-five foreign performers and 57 local bands make up the musical program. This year’s headliner is the inimitable Icelandic progressive pop princess Björk, a name at the forefront of the electronic scene for decades. Her live show promises to be spectacular (16.07 Česká spořitelna stage 20:00-21:30).

This year also sees the award-winning singer-songwriter Mika taking to the main stage for his debut performance in the Czech Republic. Don’t miss the songwriter’s hefty back catalogue of chart climbers. (19.07 Česká spořitelna stage 22:45-23:45).

Portland native Sallie Ford, (usually flanked by an all female band) has been creating heartfelt and catchy tracks through her label Vanguard Records, providing an “ode to all the babe rockers.” Her performance will definitely be worth checking out (18.07 Drive stage 17:45-18:45).

Also confirmed for this year’s festival are Kasabian, Rudimental, St Vincent, Clean Bandit, The Cinematic Orchestra, Swans, Dillon, Caribou, Sly & Robbie meet Nils Petter Molvær.

In addition, organizers say: “In 2015 visitors can look forward to checking out the newly reconstructed Hlubina Mine where loads of events and activities will be held.” One event in particular, a dedicated busking stage, aims to bring out the rock star in every festival goer.

Once again, a variety of non-musical activities round out the program including theatre and design workshops and an array of films screened by the Uherské Hradiště Summer Film School. New to the festivities is a design zone market where 33 sellers will offer their design wares.

Also returning this year is the Colours Without Barriers initiative. The project strives to provide assistance (special grandstands and/or the option of booking a trained assistant free of charge) to mobility-impaired visitors. See the Colours official website or mail bezbarier@colours.cz for more information or to book services.

Little music-heads are also welcome to the Colours festivities. Children under 140cm tall enter the festival site for free and the “Family Park” will be open to both very young and older children without restrictions. A special Children’s Stage with trained-supervising adults on hand will keep even the youngest visitors entertained.

Colours of Ostrava spokesperson, Shelly Bonet says as of the festival’s ongoing popularity and longetivity, “We present some incredibly cool bands while retaining a really laid-back and friendly approach.”