Przystanek Woodstock 2010
July 30 – August 1, 2010 · Kostrzyn upon Odra, Poland
An annual music festival that has been going on since 1995, Przystanek is the Polish equivalent of Bonnaroo — promoting peace and freedom throughout the world, drawing some of the largest crowds in the history of European music. With the motto "Love, Friendship, and Music", Przystanek has adopted the same attitude as the original Woodstock 1969 and spread the message of peace to all of its attendees.
Przystanek Woodstock 2010 took place July 30–August 1 in Kostrzyn upon Odra, Poland, near the German border — and was not to be missed. Drugs, weapons, and fires are strictly prohibited at the festival. Because not all attendees abide by these rules, it has been both criticized by the Roman Catholic Church and praised by the youth of Europe. Home to some of the most popular bands in Poland and frequented by international acts, the eclectic music of Przystanek is legendary.
Bands & Performers
Some of the largest bands in Poland and abroad have played at Przystanek including Polish bands Hey, Dzem, Voo Voo, Pidzama Porno, T. Love, Raz Dwa Trzy, Sweet Noise, KSU, Armia, Dezerter, Indios Bravos, Habakuk, Leszek Mozdzer, Farben Lehre, Kobranoka, Lao Che, Vader, and Hunter.
The festival has also seen international acts including Guano Apes, Die Toten Hosen, Killing Joke, The Stranglers, Clawfinger, Kreator, Beatsteaks, Zion Train, and Twinkle Brothers. The festival also holds contests for musicians for the chance to play on the big stage.
The Academy of the Most Beautiful Arts
Organized by The Academy of the Most Beautiful Arts, some of the most creative minds in Poland are behind the concert. Polish figures such as Lech Walesa, Tadeusz Mazowiecki, and Leszek Balcerowics have discussed the history of Poland, while journalists and authors have held conferences about language, culture, and the role that uniting countries plays in today's world.
The festival is orchestrated by Jurek Owsiak, who has been at it for 15 years and still believes the world needs this amazing festival. Money is raised by independent sponsors and finances medical equipment and the Przystanek Peace Patrol.
Scale & History
Nearly 50 bands show up at Przystanek each year, making it the largest music festival in Poland. Crowds have grown from about 150,000 in 1998 to about 300,000 in 2009. Przystanek Woodstock 2010 was projected to draw nearly half a million people — making it one of the largest music events in the world.
The festival began in 1995 and originally sold no alcohol. During the second festival, beer was introduced and is still offered today. The festival moved from the town of Zary in 2003 and eventually settled in Kostrzyn upon Odra, near the Polish-German border.
Since problems are so rarely reported, Przystanek has been revered as one of the best organized and most enjoyable summer festivals. In a wild progression from its peaceful origins, the free concert has grown into a spectacle that people from all around the world attend to celebrate the beauty of peace and music — a true embodiment of the spirit of the Woodstock nation.