House Full At Volt

The 19th edition of Volt Festival had to hang up the “House Full” signs as it doubled as a wrap party for Hungary’s six-month stint as president of the European Union.

This involved visits from sundry politicians including President Pál Schmitt, who may be the first head of state to visit a Hungarian music festival.

On the second day it was Anikó Lévai, the wife of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose daughter Ráhel was doing an internship with the Volt team. Two of her kids were in the festival crowd.

Among the acts they enjoyed were 30 Second To Mars, which clinched the slot left by Amy Winehouse’s decision to cancel her appearance at the country’s Sziget Festival.

The Sziget organisation runs both events and also the Heineken Balaton Sound that opens July 7.

The other acts delighting a 30,000 crowd at Sopron June 28 to July 2 included Moby, Sum41, Pendulum, and My Chemical Romance.