Serbia hosts a trio of festivals

Serbia is home to three huge festivals that all take place within one week in August and promise an experience to be found unlike anywhere else in the world.

Guca Music festival takes place from 8-14 August and attracts nearly one million visitors to the tiny village where bands compete for the ‘Golden Trumpet’. But the competition is only a small part of the Guca experience, where every bar and street is taken up with buskers playing the unique Balkan brass band beats. Guca has become the undisputed ‘trumpet capital’ of the world and as such, the festival is increasingly attracting international visitors from all over the world who come to savour the festival’s unique atmosphere. Admission to the festival is completely free of charge and accommodation nearby can be found in hotels, rural households or camping. For further information go to: guca.rs

Nis is located in the south eastern part of the country and is Serbia’s third largest city and one of the oldest cities to be found in the Balkans. Every August, the city becomes home to ‘Nisville’ – a widely acclaimed international jazz festival which next year celebrates its 30th Anniversary. Over the years, the festival has attracted names such as Solomon Burke, Benny Golson, Incognito, The Brand New Heavies, De Phazz, Roy Hargrove, Duško Gojkovi? and many others. The open air festival is held in one of Europe’s most beautiful, spacious and acoustic amphitheatres – the Summer Stage of the Nis City Fortress. The main stage programme is supported by around 25 bands and over 300 performers. 4 day tickets cost 15-40 Euros and further information can be found at: nisville.com

Tourists can round up their musical tour of Serbia by raising a pint from over 70 beers to be found at the Belgrade Beer Fest (17-21 August) which has been growing in its popularity since its launch in 2003. Over 900,000 visitors attended the city’s Beer Fest last year, making it one of Europe’s biggest summer parties.

Apart from sampling the vast variety of beers on tap, visitors can also party the night away to over 40 bands and individual performers on the main stage. Admission is free and further information can be found at: belgradebeerfest.com

Getting to Serbia is easy with JAT Airways flying from Heathrow 9 times a week and Wizz Air from Luton, three times a week.

For more general information on tourism in Serbia go to: serbia.travel