Director: Aron Kovats Halfway between Lake Balaton and Lake Velence, Várpalota is located at the foot of the Bakony Mountains. At its main square is the Palace of Várpalota, also known as Thury Castle, which has survived many bloody sieges. (Thury György was the most famous captain of the castle in the 1500s.) Built in the 1300s, the castle is one of the oldest surviving medieval castles in Hungary. For centuries it was the scene of fighting. Nowadays it is the home of arts. There are several exhibitions in the castle - a collection of local history and folk art, an exhibition of military uniforms, a chemical museum and a mining history collection. In the courtyard of the castle, among the ancient walls of the castle, music and dance programs await visitors. The Castle Festival expects adult and youth folk dance groups and folk music groups from all over the world. Tés, a small village on the eastern side of Bakony Hill, is the other venue of the festival. Music and dances of Hungarians and other nations appear in the festival program, enriched by many traditionalist programs. Participants: Youth and adult folklore groups, folk choirs, folk music bands from all over the world (over 14 years) The number of the participants are not limited Participation fee: 135 Euro per person (2 bedded rooms) 3* Hotel: Hotel Szent Gellért (free wellness and spa) - https://www.szentgellerthotel.hu/index.php/en/ Hotel Platán - http://www.hotelplatan.eu/en/ Additional day is 42 €/person/day Participation fee includes: Participation at the festival concerts Accommodation in hotel 3* (3 nights) Half board (2 meals/day) Diploma, gift Participation fee does not include: Transport Some optional programs Tourist tax: 2 €/person/day, payment on the spot at the accommodation Program: 14 May Arriving at the accommodation Meeting with the organizers, and guides Discussing the next day’s programs Dinner Free program - sightseeing, bathing, evening walks in Székesfehérvár 15 May Free program - sightseeing in Székesfehérvár Sights - Old Town, Orb, Town Hall, Bory Castle, Episcopal Palace, Flower Clock, Ruins Bathing in the Turkish bath Afternoon - Várpalota, view of the castle Parade, performance in the courtyard of the castle Receiving the gifts and diplomas Dinner Free program 16 May Folklore Day - Bakony Jollification Folklore Festival Excursion to Bakony Hill, Tés village All day long tradition preserving programs - horse and fighting demonstration, craft fair, craft playhouse, petting zoo, folk playground, settlement demonstration, horseback riding, carriage rides, parade, folk dance houses, concerts. Seeing the sights of the village - Roman Bath waterfall, windmills Performing at the Folklore Festival Dinner 17 May Departure, optional program - boat trip on Lake Balaton (70 km), on Lake Velence (30 km), sightseeing in Budapest (65 km) Any group, willing to participate, must complete an Application form. Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.