July 5, 2022 - The City of Split has confirmed that everything is ready for the 8th Ultra Europe festival, held at Park Mladeži this weekend from July 8 to 10. 

On Tuesday, the Split City Administration held a coordination meeting about the upcoming ULTRA Europe festival, which was attended by representatives of the organizers, city services and utility companies, emergency services, and other institutions necessary for the successful organization of the event this weekend at Park Mladeži (Youth Park). The festival thus returns after a two-year break caused by the pandemic, reports Dalmatinski Portal.

All segments of the organization are covered, and the emergency services are ready and at the highest level of readiness. Communal and traffic police will have extended working hours and will work in coordination with the police. In agreement with the organizer, the Split Tourist Board implements the Respect & Enjoy campaign aimed at the participants of the Festival to maintain public order and peace. In addition to the orderliness of public areas, Čistoća is also focused on waste recycling, so a complete disposal infrastructure will be installed in the festival area, and the director of the city company promised that by 8 am, everything will be clean and recycled. 

County Center 112 has provided translators for communication with festival visitors in six world languages.

Promet Split will work at total capacity, both technical and human, from Thursday to Monday. Parks and plantations have also completed all preparatory work and will intensify the cleaning of green areas. The organizer made a schedule of chemical toilets in a ring around the stadium, in agreement with the representatives of the neighboring city districts. Inspectors from the State Inspectorate, Customs, and Tax Administration announced increased surveillance during the festival. It should also be noted that the City will not extend the working hours of catering establishments during the festival this year, since they can work up to 2 am on weekends.

Joe Bašić, the owner of the company MPG Live and organizer of the ULTRA Europe festival, pointed out that organizationally everything will be ready even before the official start of the festival and announced a higher quality of production, better access to guests, and higher attendance of the festival held in Split so far. The organizer will pay special attention to the tenants of the neighboring buildings he will meet tonight. The Commissioner of the Government for the affairs of the Split mayor, Mirna Veža, expressed her satisfaction with what was done, thanked everyone for their seriousness in the preparations, called on the citizens to be hospitable and patient, and for everyone to have maximum engagement during the ULTRA Europe festival, noting that all events during this manifestation have implications for the image of Split.

For more, check out our lifestyle section. 

June 1, 2022 - Organizers MPG Live announced the premiere edition of the Fusion World Music Festival. The new world music event will bring together more than 20 of the most sought-after musical names from Croatia and the region on the largest stage in Europe - 75 meters long and 16 meters high!

For the first time, such an event will be followed only by the best that world production has to offer at the moment, reports Dalmatinski Portal. 

"For the first time, the audience will be able to see their favorite performers in the conditions in which Beyonce or Celine Dion perform. Moreover, they will perform on one of the biggest stages in Europe - the Ultra Europe festival, which only confirms that this summer the performances of Fusion stars will rise to an unprecedented level," said festival spokesman Gordan Vasilj and added that based on the audience's reactions, they hit the spot. 

"After we announced the first lineup with seven names, the demand for tickets started immediately. We unveiled the complete program a week later, and everything boiled over, which is expected because they are the most popular performers with millions of fans. In two days, we expect a little more than 50 thousand people; it will be a world event, world productions, and Split will be the music hotspot of Europe. We estimate that Fusion will result in more than 70,000 overnight stays, and guests will, according to previous experience, stay in Split and the county for an average of four days. The value of the investment in the next five years is 150 million kuna," said Vasilj, who on behalf of the organizers thanked the City of Split and Split-Dalmatia County, which supported the project.

"We have to be a city and a county of high ambitions, and the Fusion Festival brings just that. However, we need to be even more ambitious and even better. This city loves content; in the 21st-century, people are looking for as much content as possible; tourism is not just about the sun and the sea. This content is very much needed by our tourists and all the citizens of Split," said the Deputy Prefect of the Split-Dalmatia County, Stipe Čogelja, and the director of the County Tourist Board, Joško Stella, agreed.

"Such festivals significantly contribute to the branding of Dalmatia. We are a region generally known for music, so it will be a pleasure to have renowned Croatian and performers from the region who will make a phenomenal introduction to one of the best tourist seasons ever. Not only do we need this, but this must be a part of each of our tourist seasons because our guests and we deserve it. Culture, music, and song are part of our tradition and tourism and should always remain so.

Dalmatino, Doris Dragović, Jelena Rozga, Gibonni, Nina Badrić, Petar Grašo, Tonči Huljić, and Madre Badessa, Prljavo kazalište, Aco Pejović, Aleksandra Prijović, Gazda Paja, Hurricane, Sara Jo, Saša Matić, Voyage & Nucci and Željko Samardžić are the performers featured in the first edition of the event. Each of them will have a minimum of 45 minutes to perform, and the party will last until 5 am on both days.

"I have always been wonderfully welcomed in Split, and I can promise that this will be something to remember, not only from our side but also from the side of Split. We are people of goodwill, and we will lend a hand to each other; love has united us, and only love can sustain us," said Samardžić.

Tonči Huljić said that in his career, he has never performed at the Youth Park, where the Fusion Festival will be held from July 22 and 23, 2022.

"I performed at Poljud with Magazin, but I ran in elementary school at the Youth Park. So that's how I performed," he joked and revealed what attracted him to join this story.

"I’m turning to some other musical directions, more classical and crossover. I am always interested in this sociological picture - why do those performers who never appear on radio stations and television in Croatia have the largest number of visitors. This means that music finds its way, and preferences are a matter of choice, not imposing and adapting to a particular taste. I wonder how it will work in one place, how the audience will react, and whether those who like one type of music will be bothered by performers who don’t listen, whether they will whistle or applaud. I'm interested in that interaction. I don't accept performances with Madre Badess so often unless it's a challenge for me, and Fusion is it," said the musician. 

"We had a vision of raising production to a higher level; after we presented it to the performers, it was not difficult to persuade them to be part of a story like this. They deserve it, they are worldly, and I believe they will be satisfied and want to return to the festival. Today we announced all the performers with Prljavo kazalište; I think we have designed a diverse program so that each of the audience can find something. The World music inscription stands in the name because we have big plans for the next releases; we want to extend the festival for another day and bring performers from the rest of the world. We will follow the path of the Mediterranean, by which I mean Italy, Spain, and other countries," said the artistic director of the festival Ivan Huljić.

A one-day ticket costs 250 kuna, a two-day 450 kuna, and a VIP for one day 499 kuna. More info can be found here.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

May 1, 2022 - The 2022 Ultra Europe music festival will be the biggest yet. Organizer Joe Bašić reveals what we can expect this summer in Split.

Ahead of the 8th Ultra Europe music festival, Slobodna Dalmacija spoke with Joe Bašić, the official organizer of the festival and owner of MPG Live, who revealed what awaits us for the festival's return.

After a two-year break, the festival returns to Split. How are ticket sales going?

"We are thrilled that the ULTRA Europe festival is back, after two years without festival organizations around the world due to the Covid pandemic. People are very excited and eager to re-experience everything that makes festivals special and get together and celebrate music and life. The return of our festival was perceived positively not only in Croatia but also in the world. We are delighted because this is the first major international event that will allow us to go back to when close meetings and mass gatherings were normal.

It is crucial that people feel people again. Still, we are also aware that Covid has not disappeared and will continue to be among us, so we will continue to monitor the situation closely and do everything necessary to make the festival safe for its visitors. Croatia is a safe country and one of the leading tourist destinations globally, and this is confirmed by the interest in our festival, which has never been greater. Based on current sales trends and numerous inquiries from our fans, we can expect the festival's eighth edition to be our biggest edition to date. Tickets have already traveled to over 90 countries around the world. According to our expectations, Split and other festival destinations will be visited by more than 140,000 people from July 7 to 14, which we can confirm with certainty - ULTRA Europe is back!"

You recently returned from Miami, where the Ultra Music Festival took place. What are your impressions, and can you compare the Croatian and American editions?

"ULTRA Miami is back, sensational! Given that this was the first international event to be canceled in March 2020 due to Covid, a lot was expected from the return to Bayfront Park in March. However, with more than 200,000 visitors, a massive lineup of performers, and crazy production, many claim that ULTRA Miami 2022 was the best-organized event ever.

It was the perfect message for the whole world that the time of great festivals is back and that it is possible to organize them safely. Therefore, I would say that millions of fans worldwide have regained their confidence that they can start planning to go to their favorite music festivals worldwide, including ULTRA Europe.

Memorable moments in Miami were undoubtedly the guest appearance of 50 Cent with Kygo and the unforgettable sets of Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, Martin Garrix, and the return of Hardwell.

Comparing the Miami ULTRA Music Festival and our release, we can conclude that Miami is undoubtedly a larger event with more than ten stages, a massive list of performers, and a fantastic production in which significant funds have been invested. On the other hand, ULTRA Europe offers a smaller number of stages with high-quality production and a more intimate feeling, compensating for the difference in the size of the event with incredible fans from 100+ countries who create an exceptional level of energy and experience.

All the performers who come to us always agree that ULTRA Europe has fan energy and that the vibe of the whole event is unique and incomparable to any other event in the world. That is why our edition is visited by fans from so many different countries who come back for even more, and I think we are stronger and more unique than the American edition.

ULTRA Europe is currently the second-largest event in the large ULTRA family and is projected to become the largest in the years to come. Therefore, I am very excited about the future of ULTRA Europe and ULTRA Worldwide in the years to come."

You have also provided regional tickets for domestic visitors. How are sales going, and what is the interest of local visitors in relation to international guests?

"We recorded much better and greater interest in regional tickets than in previous years. We sold out the first contingent of three-day tickets at the lowest price in the festival's history, which amounted to 700 kuna, or less than 235 kuna per day. Croatians are very excited about the return of ULTRA and can't wait to re-experience the energy of a major international festival, especially considering the pandemic, earthquake, and everything that happened over two long and difficult years. We expect more than 30,000 visitors from Croatia during the seven days of the festival, which makes us especially happy."

What are the sales in overseas countries - the USA, Australia, Canada, and South America? And which countries are the most loyal when coming to Croatia?

"To date, we have sold tickets in more than 90 countries. We are delighted that our strongest countries before Covid are Great Britain, Ireland, Spain, France, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and still strong markets for our festival, with double-digit growth from the USA, France, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. We expect even more international guests because we have increased the number of flights coming to Croatia, and there are more accommodation options in Split than in 2019."

Has the war in Ukraine thwarted plans?

"We have not noticed any changes in sales trends since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. On the contrary, sales have increased since March, following the Miami Festival and the announcement of Hardwell's arrival in Croatia, and lifted Covid measures."

How is the cooperation with the city going?

"We have always had the strong support of the City of Split, Split-Dalmatia County, and the Tourist Board. The ULTRA Europe Festival is of strategic importance to the Government of the Republic of Croatia, and the substantial economic benefits and global promotion of Split and Croatia generated by the festival are important reasons why the City of Split and all relevant state institutions have priority to support this event.

When we started our story ten years ago, we weren’t squandering the numbers of expected visitors, nor were we seeking the support of our partners promising miracles.

We believed in this project, and its potential, and we believed that it would be recognized by all state institutions based on facts and achieved results. But we believed equally that both Split and the Split people would recognize the opportunity and develop together with the festival.

Today, we can proudly point out that this is Croatia's largest international music event. We have more than 140,000 visitors from more than 140 countries during the seven days of the festival. We have generated immeasurable marketing results, and this is not the end.

We are proud to see that Split has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations among the younger population and is recognizable worldwide for Hajduk, Diocletian's Palace, and the ULTRA Europe festival. We are sure that the festival will be one of the main postcards in the future."

The festival remains at Park Mladeži (Youth Park). How many stages will there be, and how many visitors do you expect per day?

"As announced in 2019, the Youth Park is the new home of the festival and a place that will enable further development and growth of this event.

The goal is to host more than 200,000 people in the coming years, and the Youth Park can follow this vision with its position and capacity. In 2022, we plan to have five stages with 200+ performers over three days and 13 stages over seven days. The Croatian edition lasts from July 7 to 14, in 5 cities and three islands.

This is a demanding production project, and we all still remember the impressive main stage. Will there be any news this year?

"We are focused on improving the overall fan experience at the entrances, in the toilets, and the offer of food and drinks. In addition, the production will feature the latest advances in technology, including a spectacular show never seen before in Croatia.

We tell all our fans that this year's edition should not be missed. We are all eagerly awaiting the day when we will finally open the doors, and I believe that will be one of the reasons why we will especially remember the eighth edition."

Who will be performing in Split?

"Above & Beyond, Adam Beyer, Afrojack, Alesso, Amelie Lens, Armin van Buuren, DJ Snake, Hardwell, Joseph Capriati, Marco Carola, Martin Garrix, Marshmello, Nicky Romero, Nina Kraviz, Oliver Heldens have confirmed their performance in Split so far. In addition, Richie Hawtin, Steve Aoki, Tiësto, Timmy Trumpet, and Vini Vici will be joined by ACRAZE, Airod, ANNA, Frank Walker, Ilario Alicante, Krewella, Sam Feldt, and SOFI TUKKER."

Who else could perform?

"We have not yet announced the third phase of the line-up, which has over 30 names, and which we plan to announce at the end of May."

Who is this year’s biggest star?

"People are very excited about the return of Hardwell, who has been known as the best DJ in the world for many years and who will perform in Europe for the first time since 2018 at our festival. ULTRA Europe is one of his favorite festivals, and he is preparing a special show with a lot of new music in Split.

In addition, fan favorites include Marshmello, Martin Garrix, Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Adam Beyer, and Ritchie Hawtin. This year’s line-up is one of the best, and we are sure the experience will be unforgettable."

After Split, the festival moves to the islands. Who are you bringing in this year?

"ULTRA Europe is the leading destination music festival and is the only festival in the world organized in 4 different cities, on three islands, and more than 13 stages.

The beautiful Adriatic Sea, ideal sunny weather, food, and people from Croatia, make our destination events on the islands of Brač, Hvar, and Vis special, and the performers are always excited to be part of this unique story. In addition, our VIP guests increasingly recognize what we offer over seven days. We can already confirm that we are receiving eight megayachts, with exclusive guests worldwide.

In 2022, we have a few surprises that will only confirm how special such events are in the world, and more details will be announced in July."

This will be the eighth edition of the ULTRA Europe festival. Can you single out some of your favorite moments?

"There are several! In 2013 I first saw a picture of flags from all over the world in front of the main stage and witnessed the energy and pride of Croatian fans because music fans from all over the world hosted in their country.

Then the moment when Marshmello performed Srce Vatreno, before the Croatia-England match in Russia. I will never forget when Martin Garrix performed the single Animals for the first time, nor the feeling when Armin Van Buuren released This Is What It Feels Like, in front of a crowded stadium and spectacular fireworks."

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

July 13, 2021 -  The Ultra Europe return may happen as soon as next year, as organizer Joe Bašić speaks of its importance to Split. 

If the Ultra Europe festival had not been postponed for the second time in a row last weekend, Split would have been the center of international entertainment again, according to the organizers of this festival, which brought world-famous DJ stars and thousands of guests to Split.

Ultra Europe could be organized next year, however still under special measures. This was announced by the organizer of the Ultra Europe music festival, Joe Bašić, who also told Radio Split that DJs are working hard in the studios in the meantime, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

"Considering everything that is happening in the world, I think that we will definitely bring Ultra back to Croatia next year. I am convinced that the pandemic will be under control and that these measures, COVID passports, testing, and more will be part of our story, but will enable us to hold the festival still," said Bašić about Ultra in Split.

The pandemic has thwarted plans for the festival again this year, but intensive preparations for 2022 are already underway.

"We will certainly pay more attention around the guests themselves; the measures will play a big role. I am convinced that through this year, all the countries of the world will prepare for such a life, we will not get rid of COVID, but we will have to learn to live with it. We, as the organizers of the largest festival in the world - Ultra, have the opportunity to prepare everything at a level that will enable the arrival of this large number of people again in Split," he said.

He also commented on the significance of the festival for Split, but also for the whole country.

"Ultra Europe was the engine of development of Split and Croatia, as far as the destination is concerned. It also attracted people who would not otherwise come to Croatia. However, I think that there is definitely a shortage of guests worldwide, especially in Split. Renters, hoteliers, and the airport all comment on how much Ultra is missing and that it is essential to return those numbers from 2019," claims Bašić.

Meanwhile, he says, the performers are not resting.

"We are in touch with all the DJs and artists we work with. They definitely miss live performances. Now they are more in their studios, but they can't wait to come to Croatia again for Ultra Europe. We will do our best to bring the Ultra Europe Festival back to Croatia in 2022; I believe in that. The energy that we have all experienced in the last seven years in Split, I believe that it will return, that the whole world will dance with us again in Croatia," concluded Joe Bašić.

For more on lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June 26, 2021 - Ultra Europe 2021 has officially been canceled, the organizers announced on Facebook on Saturday.

Ultra Europe, one of the world's largest electronic music festivals, will not be held this year either, the organizers finally confirmed.

The popular festival was supposed to take place from July 9 to 11 at the Youth Park (Park Mladeži) in Split, but Ultra fans will be denied the summer spectacle in Split this year as well.

The new date of Ultra is July 8-10, 2022.

Ultra Europe has been held in Split for the last eight years, bringing more than 40,000 daily visitors and a total of 120,000 from 143 countries to the Dalmatian capital for three days of electronic music. The 2019 edition was the first held at Park Mladeži in Split, while the festival was held at Poljud Stadium in the years before. 

Record figures, and the millionth visitor at the new location, marked the seventh year of Ultra in Split in 2019. The 8th edition was meant to take place at Park Mladeži from July 10-12, 2020, but was also canceled last year. 

"It is with a heavy heart that, due to the ongoing pandemic stemming from COVID-19, the 8th edition of Ultra Europe originally scheduled for 10-12 July 2020 at Park Mladeẑi is being rescheduled to 9-11 July 2021.

The current health crisis is an unprecedented situation, and there is no higher priority for us than the health, safety and well-being of all our fans, as well as all those involved with the production of the event.

Tickets will remain valid and will be honored for use at the rescheduled festival. Alternatively, if you are unable to attend, you have the option to seek a refund. All purchasers will be contacted via email with more information on how to make their choice.

As we continue to monitor the ongoing health crisis together with authorities, we encourage our fans to stay home, wash their hands, practice social distancing and be good to one another. We look forward to reuniting next year in beautiful Croatia for Ultra Europe 2021!" the organizers wrote last May. 

For more, follow our dedicated lifestyle section.

March 16, 2021 - Organizer Joe Bašić is hopeful that Ultra Europe 2021 will be held this summer, as the electronic music festival in Split is still four months away. 

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the growing speculation about the upcoming festival season, which starts in May. European countries are opting for various tactics: from COVID passports and mass vaccination of citizens to fast and accessible antigen tests, which could save events on the coast. Especially the ones organized by the UK.

Some of the world's largest music festivals have already written off 2021, but festivals in Croatia are not yet giving up. 

In Croatia, the outdoor festival season lasts from May to September, and since it came to Split, Ultra Europe is certainly the most popular event on the Adriatic. A three-day mass party with mainstream electronic stars brings tens of thousands of tourists and significant income to the city, and during the week of Ultra, Split garages, sheds, balconies, and yards are even rented. Festivalgoers sleep outdoors; some do not sleep at all. They come from all over the world, and they are there to have a good time.

Some locals are bothered by the crowds and noise, others by the garbage and clutter that is inevitably left behind after thousands of party-goers are in the city, but no one can deny the economic impact it has on Split. Will thousands of international party people march through Split with the flags of their countries again?

24 Sata reports that Ultra Europe organizer Joe Bašić hopes so. Still, the news from Miami, published just a few days ago, isn't too optimistic. Recall, Ultra in Florida has been canceled again, and the culprit is, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It is too early for any conclusions about Ultra in Split. There are four more months until then. We monitor the situation, and it changes from day to day. We are cooperating with the city, we respect the measures of the Headquarters, and we can only hope that everything will be fine by July," Bašić said.

Security restrictions are there for a reason, but there would be equal bans for caterers. Is it worth organizing the festival at all if it turns out that Ultra can only have 20% or 30% capacity and that guests must adhere to strict measures?

"We will have to sit down and see what can be done in such a hypothetical case and what cannot. I can't tell you anything more detailed so far; it's hard to be really smart at the moment," Bašić admits.

There is a lot of talk about 'COVID passports.' Spain will test the model in Ibiza, the celebrated mecca of partygoers, as early as May. If this proves to be a good enough protection model, they will implement it nationally in the summer season. Bašić says that nothing concrete has been said about it so far, but he will consider all the options that can help this year's festival in Split see the light of day. If the worst-case scenario comes true, Ultra will be transparent with its audience.

"We will refund the ticket money to those who request a refund, and for those who choose to keep the ticket, it will be valid next year. Our policy was the same last year," Bašić announces.

Just a week before Ultra, the Dimensions Festival is a treat for slightly different electronic music fans. This summer, it is moving from Istria to Tisno and Šibenik to St. Michael's Fortress, and despite the pandemic, the organizers announced that the music event is scheduled for July 1-5. For now, they expect that we will be able to have fun by some 'old standards.' It should not be forgotten that last summer, after the first wave of the virus subsided, a music festival experiment on Martinska succeeded. It was one of the few locations in Europe where several smaller festivals and concerts were held, and where no increase in the number of cases was recorded.

Outlook and Seasplash festivals have already been announced, and additional information about Membrain, Blast, Regius, Kanal Fest, Slurp! will be released soon.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

May 22, 2020 - It's the news we've all been waiting for... Thousands of international festival-goers will not gather in Split this summer, as the 8th edition of Ultra Europe has officially been canceled. 

"It is with a heavy heart that, due to the ongoing pandemic stemming from COVID-19, the 8th edition of Ultra Europe originally scheduled for 10-12 July 2020 at Park Mladeẑi is being rescheduled to 9-11 July 2021.

The current health crisis is an unprecedented situation, and there is no higher priority for us than the health, safety and well-being of all our fans, as well as all those involved with the production of the event.

Tickets will remain valid and will be honored for use at the rescheduled festival. Alternatively, if you are unable to attend, you have the option to seek a refund. All purchasers will be contacted via email with more information on how to make their choice.

March 21, 2020 - More than 40,000 daily visitors and a total of 120,000 from 143 countries danced for three full days last July at the Ultra Europe music festival held at Park Mladezi in Split. 

Unofficially, Slobodna Dalmacija reports that the organizers are planning this year's edition despite the global coronavirus pandemic.

The most popular electronic music festival is scheduled for July 10, 11 and 12. Still, the question arises as to how long this pandemic will last, given the fact that thousands of festival-goers from all over the world are in Split during this time.

There are innumerable questions, and there are few answers to them at the moment.

Some will agree that maintaining Ultra Europe will help the citizens of Split to at least somewhat get out of the unenviable financial situation caused by the pandemic, and although the festival itself is just four months away, in this case, they should be guided by one rule - better prevented than treated.

“At this point, it is difficult to predict how long all this will take and make any forecasts. As we can see, in China it is going down, in Italy it is booming, with us, it is just beginning.

Of course, we would all be happy to have our lives back to normal. If Ultra is still held, visitors take the risk themselves by coming,” said Željka Karin, director of the Public Health Teaching Institute of Split-Dalmatia County.

What if the virus is eradicated by July and Ultra Europe goes on, does it still pose a risk to the citizens of Split?

Slobodna Dalmacija also sent an inquiry to the City of Split, where the City said it is currently dealing with more important things, and they relate to a series of measures aimed at alleviating the effects of the coronavirus pandemic for citizens and the economy.

Earlier this month, Ultra organizers were forced to decide to cancel the festival in Abu Dhabi (March 5-6), as well as the one in Miami (March 20, 21, and 22), for the first time since the world's craziest party started in 1999.

All those who have already purchased tickets for the Split edition could have problems because, after the cancellation of Miami and Abu Dhabi, the decision was made not to refund the money spent, but any holder of an unused ticket will be entitled to attend Ultra in 2021 or 2022.

This has caused an uproar from festival-goers, and a series of petitions can be found on the internet seeking a refund for the tickets purchased.

Organizers have not yet posted anything on their official site, and have not even updated their status on Facebook since March 6.

The seventh edition of Ultra in Split registered its millionth guest, and because of record ticket sales, it was the most visited year since it was held in Croatia. The new space also opened up new possibilities in the form of the theatrical main stage, the largest ever set in the region, and with its production and size, exceeded all expectations so far.

On the impressive LED screen, visualizations constantly swirled, all complemented by numerous special effects. From the visual show to the perfect sound and infectious beats, everything was flawlessly executed. The world's biggest electronic music names such as Swedish House Mafia, Carl Cox, David Guetta, Afrojack, Above & Beyond, Adam Beyer, Armin van Buuren, The Chainsmokers, Maceo Plex alternated on the stages.

As things stand now, even though the organizers are still doing everything according to plan, it is certainly possible that Ultra Europe will not go on in Split this summer.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

January 31, 2020 - A new wave of stars have been announced for the ULTRA Europe 2020 festival at Park Mladezi in Split this summer.

The multi-award-winning techno and house music concept RESISTANCE announces its return to one of the most unique stages in the region. The movable roof, special lighting and visual effects, as well as state-of-the-art production and a view of the old Brodosplit construction site, give this world brand an extra edge. Under the baton of Croatia’s biggest festival, ULTRA Europe 2020, this year, RESISTANCE in Split will go one step further. Due to its cult status and to the demand of the fans, this dance arena will hit the biggest release so far, with the first performers announced - Adam Beyer, Anna, Charlotte De Witte, Maceo Plex and Marco Carola who will perform from July 10 to 12, 2020, at Park Mladezi. A special underground spectacle for everyone is promised for all at this magical stage.

For the third year in a row, RESISTANCE has been the centerpiece of entertainment at Ibiza's largest and most renowned Privilege Club, attracting more than 50,000 fans over the course of nine weeks. Sold out dates in South Africa and South America also followed, and drew attention in Croatia for the first year. 

RESISTANCE continues to pull out all of the stops with this year’s line up, which is confirmed by Adam Beyer, a Swedish techno and tech-house producer, who gladly returns to the playing in front of the most energetic European festival audience.

Anna is the first female name on the list and is considered to be one of Brazil's trademarks. The lightning-fast rise of the electronic scene can be thanks to her seductive yet powerful techno sound, and this will be her first appearance in front of the Split audience. Charlotte De Witte returns to ULTRA after two years. This Belgian DJ and producer released her label KNTXT last year and has announced the release of a new EP called Vision for February 17.

Maceo Plex also returns this summer. This Cuban-American award-winning DJ and producer whose music manuscript can be described as a deep, progressive and tech-house can also boast one of the most visited residences at the Pacha Club in Ibiza. Marco Carola is a Split favorite. Originally from Italy, this techno and minimal techno producer and DJ has become globally recognized with his Music On program, which quickly became one of the most visited in Ibiza.

Joining the list is the already announced Richie Hawtin, a Canadian-British techno authority and three-time DJ Awards winner. Richie Hawtin was announced at the end of last year, when the first nine stars were announced for ULTRA 2020. These include superstars Afrojack, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, DJ Snake, Galantis, with Marshmello, Pendulum Trinity and Steve Aoki. The musical magic of ULTRA Europe 2020 certainly does not stop there - and just weeks separate us from even more new names.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

The 7th edition of Ultra Europe 2019 closed its doors in July for what will be remembered as one of the best yet. Record numbers, a new location, four destinations, hundreds of performers, spectacular production, thousands of visitors, including many celebrities, and lifelong friendships made can quickly sum up the 7th edition of Ultra Europe - and on the heels of that success, Ultra has announced the new release. Namely, from July 10-12, 2020, Split will host the 8th edition! 

But before we get ahead of ourselves, here’s a look at the 7th edition of Ultra Europe, in numbers. 

Over the seven-day experience, more than 155,000 fans arrived from a record 143 countries to Ultra Europe this year, mostly from Spain, the United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Austria, the US, Canada and the Netherlands. There were more than 35,000 local fans, which is the highest ever, and the festival’s millionth visitor was recorded this year, making it by far the largest international event in Croatia. More than 2,000 people took part in the organization, more than 250 DJs played on 12 stages in 4 destinations, and more than 300 accredited local and foreign journalists closely followed the event. 

Ultra Europe saw a total reach of 10,000,000 + on social channels. More than 20,000,000 impressions were generated, over 500,000 likes, and official hashtags were popular - #UltraEurope was used over 150,000 times. The festival was also live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, recording over 300,000 minutes of views, and the best moments can still be viewed on all official channels of the festival.

What sets ULTRA apart from all other festivals in the world is the way it connects music and destinations. The experience for visitors takes on a whole new dimension, and the promotion of Croatia is hardly measurable by any number. ULTRA takes its fans on a journey from Omiš, via Split to Brač, Hvar and Vis. However, festival guests are also happy to travel to Dubrovnik, to the Krka waterfalls and Plitvice Lakes, the places they have chosen in the official survey as those that are definitely worth a visit. Ultra guests stay almost seven days in Croatia on average and take pictures and memories with them to all parts of the globe. The destination adventure started on the island of Brač, at the 585 Club, before the madhouse moved to the sunniest Croatian island of Hvar. The music program began in front of the cascading pools of the Amfora Grand Beach Resort and continued at the Carpe Diem Beach Club. In the intimate and exclusive atmosphere of the 200-year-old Fort George Fort on Vis, better known as Fortica, the seventh ULTRA adventure came to an end. 

It was also the most talked-about news in recent months as many considered the famous festival leaving Poljud the wrong solution and a reason why Ultra could ultimately leave Croatia. Those behind this decision were silent yet wise as they eagerly waited to open the doors to their new home. So, is Ultra Europe moving to Park Mladeži for good? Fortunately, Park Mladeži did not disappoint and powerfully kicked off a new four-year festival period that is growing and evolving. Some 15,000 square meters larger than Poljud, representing three football fields, it has opened up new opportunities for organizers to use 30,000 square meters, which is accompanied by an increase in capacity for 55,000 visitors. Together with the City of Split and the Split Sports Facilities Public Institution, this location will develop into a leading sports and event location in the region. It is important to note that no major incidents were recorded during the festival in Split, and the seventh edition will be remembered for the smallest number of interventions by all services in history.

“This year we had only one goal - to fulfill all that we promised you at the beginning of the year! That we have succeeded in this is not only spoken by figures and facts, but also by the numerous positive comments we receive daily from our fans, and also from the performers themselves and the American festival owners. I would like to thank all those who contributed to this, and I would especially like to thank the residents of Split. We asked you to believe us and thank you for that! We have done everything necessary to make the festival the safest venue in the country, with the lowest number of interventions ever, confirming the success of the new location. Without cooperating with the local community and surrounding residents, this would not be possible, and I am sure that in the coming years we will further develop this location to further improve their living conditions during the festival and also make all Split citizens proud of Park Mladeži,” said Joe Bašić, Managing Director of MPG Live, the exclusive organizer of ULTRA Europe, adding:" Considering that the festival generates more than €20 million in free marketing promotions each year to the city of Split and Croatia, we will agree that this is one of the most important events in the history of the Croatian music and entertainment industry, and in order for this figure to be higher, it requires further solid and high-quality cooperation with the representatives of the authorities, local and tourism sector, as well as the support of all citizens of Split.”

The production of a festival this size is also no easy task, especially when you change the location just one month before the festival begins. However, among the many records broken at the 7th edition is the main stage. The length of the whole stage stretched 67.50 meters, which was also one of the longest stages in Europe and never before seen in our region. One pillar weighed more than 10 tons, and the roof had ballasts that, when filled with water, weighed about 50 tons. The Swedish House Mafia performance was an additional challenge - in just half an hour the existing scenery had to be dismantled, a special riser appeared, which looked like a 14m x 4m stage, with 88 meters of additional LED screens, additional lighting, and landings for pyrotechnics. More than 450 people worked at the festival and the equipment arrived in 50 trucks, including more than 1,800 light fixtures and more than 1,200 square meters of LED screens. There were also 240 meters of bar space, and to minimize the effect of noise, special attention was given to sound. A high-performance directional audio system was selected, and using the Cardioid Subwoofers, the sound wave coherently propagated only to the north of the stadium. Advanced Array Processing technology was also used to direct the sound waves into the dance floor to minimize the dissipation of the shielded zones and further limit the volume to 100 dB.

Last year, the Government of the Republic of Croatia declared the festival a strategically important project because of its large positive multiplier effects on the Croatian economy and the promotion of Croatia as a tourist destination. The realized GDP of the festival is approximately 0.08 percent of the total GDP of Croatia. It is not surprising, therefore, that this year many politicians and representatives of the tourism sector wanted to feel the magic of Ultra firsthand. Visitors included Minister of Culture Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Mayor of Split Andro Krstulović Opara, Mayor of Zagreb Milan Bandić, State Secretary Tonči Glavina, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Zagreb Tourist Board Martina Bienenfeld and Alijana Vukšić, Director of the Split Tourist Board.

Many celebrities like Vanna, who came with her husband and daughters, Ivo Radić, Anamarija Asanović, Ivan Tandarić from ELFS, Petar Grašo, Luka Nižetić, Damir Kedžo, Ivan Pažanin, Domenica, Hana, Ivan Huljić, Jole, Radovan Stošić, model Luna Valas, Paula Puškaš, Patrick Cvetko and Drago Pežić didn’t miss the fun at Park Mladeži.

Tickets for the eighth edition, which will be held from July 10 to 12, 2020, at Park Mladeži in Split, can be purchased on the official website.

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