Pula, August 17th, 2022

British rock band Arctic Monkeys performed in front of a packed crowd in Pula last night. The concert was already sold out within seconds when personalised tickets went on sale in November. Rumors are that black market prices reached 5000HRK despite security measures. Supporting act Inhaler were also able to convince the mostly young crowd. (All Photos: Burak Canboy)

Approximately 7000 fans from all over Europe came to see the "Modern Day Gladiators entertain the masses" at the ancient Pula Arena. The Indie Rock band from Sheffield around lead singer and guitarist Alex Turner performed 21 songs from 5 albums and left the guests leaving with smiling faces after having waited for the band to return to touring since Corona hit. The stage was paired with two large screens on the sides and a ring of light with additional live video footage in the center. Regular concert visitors claimed this having been the best performance at Pula Arena since the Foo Fighters. Alongside Turner, the three regular band members Jamie Cook (guitar), Matt Helders (drums) and Nick O'Malley (bass guitar) shared the stage with touring members Davey Latter (percussion) and Tyler Parkford (keyboards) to deliver a show on the highest level.

Supporting act, Inhaler -an Irish rock band from Dublin- also quickly captured hearts. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Elijah Hewson, bassist Robert Keating, guitarist Josh Jenkinson and drummer Ryan McMahon. Insiders long know the band since Elijah Hewson the son of legendary Bono started in 2012. The band did not need to live off of the big name who was enjoying the event from the VIP lounge. Inhaler seized the opportunity to hype the crowd and even managed the security when needed, just as if they never do anything else.

Most heard comments after the concert:

"This was surely one of the most awaited concerts in 2022."

"It's not every day that you get to sing along live to amazing songs like RU Mine?, Do I Wanna Know? and I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor."

"Arctic Monkeys picked one of the greatest locations on Earth."

"We were hoping to also hear new songs, but in the end it didn't really matter."

ZAGREB, 17 July  2022 - The ceremony of opening the 69th edition of the Pula Film Festival took place in the city's landmark "Arena" on Saturday evening, with Croatian President Zoran Milanović addressing the event.

The festival will run through 24 July and Croatian Programme includes 10 films, while International Programme has 11 films.

President Milanović said that "this is a Croatian film festival."

"We are a small, open country and a small nation and we cannot but look towards the world. It is not good for us to be introverted," Milanović said praising the inclusion of international filmmakers and Oscar winners in the festival's jury for years.

The opening ceremony was also addressed by Culture Minister Nona Obuljen Koržinek and Pula Mayor Filip Zoričić.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

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