The Cure, Florence and the Machine gear up for Colours of Ostrava 2019

Spread over two dozen unique outdoor and indoor stages,  in the astonishing industrial area of the former mining site of Dolní Vítkovice in Ostrava, Colours of Ostrava 2019 will offer a unique selection of contemporary and classic performers, from electro to world music, jazz, indie rock, and reggae. Festival-goers can look forward to over 350 events ranging from bands, DJs, films, open discussions, workshops, theatre, poetry, art installations and programs for kids.

The diversity of the program is one among many festival’s assets: the event is held on the site of the city’s former mines and steelworks, a European Cultural Heritage Site — a place unlike any other. Despite its industrial feel, the festival site boasts plenty of green space plus a range of quieter and shaded spaces ideal for lounging and recharging batteries.

In terms of accommodation, easy options range from camping in the picturesque surroundings of the Ostrava Silesian Castle to higher-end accommodation options at Ostrava city center hotels and flats. Transport is an easy matter too, Ostrava being easily accessible by train and car from airports in Prague and Krakow, the festival site then reachable by tram within the city center.

Colours of Ostrava was founded in 2002 and ranked as one of the Top 10 music festivals in Europe in 2016 by The Guardian. In 2017 and 2018, the festival was shortlisted for the European Festival Award in the category Best Major Festival. Colours of Ostrava also organises the free Festival v ulicích (Street Festival) in the centre of Ostrava, and the Czech Music Crossroads, a music showcase conference. In 2015, Colours of Ostrava have launched the international Meltingpot discussion forum: a large-scale event spreading the ideas of outstanding international speakers, held as part of the festival.