Budapest - Music to your ears

Culture vultures should head over to Budapest in March for the annual Spring Festival (14-30 March 2008) where the city is awash with around 200 events and performances catering for all tastes.

From classical to rock concerts; contemporary dance to Andalucian flamenco; from high brow operas to colourful street performances; fire jugglers to art exhibitions, the festival offers visitors the chance to see a wide variety of performances and exhibitions in one visit to the city.

This is Hungary’s largest cultural festival and showcases the finest Hungarian performers, composers and artists, as well as many international acts and now includes a two day Fringe Festival (28/29 March), for the second year running, for up and coming talent.

This year will see Bizet’s Carmen and Puccini’s La Bohème performed at the magnificent Hungarian State Opera House, which is one of the cheapest places in Europe to see these world-renowned operas where tickets can often be purchased on the day of performance for under £5.

Classical music fans will be able to take their pick from the orchestras that will be in town from the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra and Hungarian National Gypsy Orchestra to the Gothenburg Symphony and the English Baroque Soloists; as well as hear the world-famous musicians of the Bartók Quartet that have been performing together since 1957.

Modern dance lovers will be able to see performances by Philadanco, the highly acclaimed Philadelphia dance company that offer a unique style and energy; plus star guests, the Limón Dance Company formed by the late José Limón, one of the most influential artists of 20th century American modern dance.

Exhibitions range from contemporary art and sculpture, to open-air programmes and re-enactments at the Budapest History Museum, including the chance to see demonstrations and take part in tastings of period dishes. Those looking for a more alternative scene will find bands, theatre groups and performance artists at the Fringe Festival plus belly dancers, storytellers and fire jugglers.

With a ‘four night for the price of three’ offer at many of the city’s hotels running up until the end of March, it’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a Spring break and enjoy the lively festival atmosphere of one of Europe’s most stunning capitals.

GETTING THERE

There are nine departures airports to Budapest from the UK – including BA (Ba.com) from Heathrow, Malev (Malev.com) from Gatwick, Wizzair (Wizzair.com) from Luton, Easyjet (Easyjet.co.uk) from Gatwick and Luton, Ryanair (Ryanair.com) from East Midlands, Liverpool, Bristol and Glasgow and Jet2 (Jet2.com) from Manchester.

There are a wide variety of hotels from three star to boutique five star and most will be offering the ‘four nights for the price of three’ until 31 March 2008. Prices start from just £50 per room per night at the centrally located 3*Atlas Hotel, close to the Grand Boulevard. For more information and to book log onto Budapestwinterinvasion.com.

To find out more about the Budapest Spring Festival visit Budapestspringfestival.com.

To find out more about Hungary visit Gotohungary.co.uk.