In keeping with tradition, the Ludovika-University of Public Service (UPS) will organise the Ludovika Festival again this year between 11-13 May, where, in addition to concerts, popular Hungarian and foreign performers will also enrich the programme of the Ludovika Free University. Still, children will not be left without experiences, as the family day will offer them much excitement.
One of Budapest's biggest three-day spring festivals is back in Orczy Park. On 11-12 May, the Ludovika Free University will be the main event. From 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., internationally renowned experts such as Edward N. Luttwak, contractual strategic advisor to the US Department of Defense, former Security Advisor to Ronald Reagan, Charles J. Vörösmarty, Honorary Doctor of the UPS, one of the world's leading experts on hydrology, and Janne Haaland Matláry, Professor of International Politics and former Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister, will give lectures on the Ludovika Campus. On US law enforcement trends, Scott Donovan, Director of the Budapest branch of the International Law Enforcement Academy, who worked as a special agent in the US Secret Service for more than 20 years, will speak. The list of Hungarian speakers is also extensive, including Balázs Orbán, Political Director to the Prime Minister; Tibor Navracsics, Minister of Regional Development; Péter Sztáray, State Secretary for Security Policy and Energy Security; and Brigadier General Imre Porkoláb, Ministerial Commissioner for Defence Innovation.
UPS is committed to preserving tradition. One of the key elements of this is the 100-day celebration of the Ludovika Festival, the last step before the ceremonial military service on 20 August. On Saturday, 13 May, a family day will give the general public an insight into the world of the various professions, with a programme of military and law enforcement activities.
There is no festival without a party! Friday will be a day full of fun, with evening concerts on the Lakeside Stage featuring András Áron (Konyha), the Transylvanian band 4S Street and the Transcarpathian band Ullie. In the party tent, after the BSW concert, Milán Koósz, Cooky and JumoDaddy will play, while on Saturday, the children's concerts will be the main event, with Réka Farkasházy and Tintanyúl, among others, and Kati Wolf with her Gyerekszáj show.
The event is free of charge, but on 11 and 12 May, you have to register to participate in the free university programmes and to enter the party tent!
More information is available on the festival website.