Special programmes were held on the festival grounds on Obudai Island on Monday and Tuesday, including an anti-racism day organised with the involvement of the British Embassy.
Wednesday's list of performers will include Nouvelle Vague, Snow Patrol and Lilly Allen on the main stage. The bill also includes Hungarian stars Harcsa Veronika Quartet, Zagar and Kispal és a Borz, as well as renowned DJs Jose Padilla and Pete Tong.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the collapse of the Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall this year, a 50-metre wall has been erected to display art work, graffiti and messages by visitors. Martial arts and dance shows will be staged to celebrate the anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic links with Japan and the ambassador will visit the festival on Wednesday to open a barrel of sake.
Israel and Spain will also be in focus at various events, including an interactive statue park by Guixot de 8 and a spectacular show by La Fura bels Daus devised specifically for the Sziget Festival.
A total of 60 civil organisations will be represented at the Sziget this year and the southern Hungarian city of Pecs, which will bear the European Capital of Culture title in 2010, will be featured at several venues.
A Hungarikum village built on the festival grounds will be a new feature, to present Hungarian folk art, handcrafts, gastronomy and customs to visitors.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
