The 49th EFOTT Festival kicked off on 9 July: Hungary’s third largest festival hosts 10 music stages, over 120 performers, and 600 different programmes. Running until Saturday, the event on the shores of Lake Velence in Sukoró will welcome guests with the best of Hungarian music and the country’s first summer higher education expo – with the weather forecast predicting a pleasant 23–25°C from Thursday onwards.

Valmar, ByeAlex és a Slepp, Carson Coma, Pogány Induló, beton.hofi, Krúbi, Majka, Desh, Lil Frakk, Wellhello, Follow the Flow, BSW, Halott Pénz, Dzsúdló, Blahalouisiana, Margaret Island, Punnany Massif, Irie Maffia, Moriones, Bohemian Betyars – are just some of the star performers taking the stage from Wednesday at EFOTT, the biggest university festival in the country. A major returnee is also being celebrated on the shores of Lake Velence: after several years, Tankcsapda returns to rock the festival once again, hosted by Széchenyi István University of Győr.

This year, EFOTT once again brings together the festival spirit and shared community experience: with 10 stages, over 120 acts, and 600 events taking place lakeside through to Saturday.

“This is the 49th EFOTT we’ve organised. We’re delighted to see university communities growing stronger, with EFOTT acting as a catalyst for this development. We’ve prepared two new features for visitors: one is a disco stage with music from the 90s and 2000s with authentic lighting, and the other is the introduction of techno music to the festival,” said Managing Director of EFOTT, Gábor Lasztovicza, at the opening press conference.

A new feature this year is Educatio Summer, aiming to provide insight into university life even before students apply – not just through educational offerings, but also by showcasing its community and experience-based aspects. Sports and daytime programmes also continue to play a key role at the festival. In the UNIversum campus area, Hungarian higher education institutions, innovation projects, civic initiatives, and corporate partners are showcased through interactive experiences and community activities. Visitors can explore offerings from more than 20 universities and 40 companies.

“Being a university student is about countless experiences and added value. It’s essential that everyone becomes aware of the opportunities Hungarian higher education offers,” said Marcell Eszterhai, President of HÖOK, which holds the ownership rights to EFOTT.

Special focus at the festival is given to the host, Széchenyi István University. “Being chosen as host of the country’s largest student festival has given us the chance to demonstrate what a modern, open, liveable and lovable university means today. An institution where world-class research takes place, where teaching is innovative and future-shaping, and where community is not just a buzzword but a reality,” emphasised Gergő Lőrincz, Director of Service and Brand Directorate at Széchenyi István University.

Organisers are also putting great effort into protecting students’ wallets. Despite rising prices everywhere, EFOTT has reduced many of its own: most products will be available at half the price compared to last year, for example, a glass of beer will cost students just HUF 790.

Auchan Hungary, which operates the official festival store, is keeping a close eye on the needs of young people. “Auchan Placc is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday morning people can shop before heading home. Across 1,000 square metres, festivalgoers can choose from 600 different products. Our own-brand items are sold at store prices and many items will be even cheaper than last year. The Placc also functions as a gastronomic hub, where young people can enjoy activities, have their meals, heat up their lunch, or choose from the daily Placc menu. We are truly doing everything to ensure they lack nothing and can spend these days carefree and full of experiences,” said CEO Géza Vincze.

Ministerial Commissioner László L. Simon, founder of the Velence Lake Region Foundation, highlighted EFOTT’s significance to the region, noting that the festival generates a high number of guest nights and brings in substantial local tax revenue. He stressed that the development plan for the Sukoró lakeside is ready, which includes the construction of a youth centre. “We hope it will be realised, as the silent majority who have lived here for decades long for more tourism opportunities, and support it,” he said.

“The success of our youth is the nation’s success. That’s why we support them in every way: from earning a degree, to gaining international experience, finding employment, building a family, and creating a home,” emphasised Balázs Hankó, Minister for Culture and Innovation, adding that EFOTT is now the third largest festival in the country.

At the opening ceremony, Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi University, declared that they believe the university of the future not only transfers knowledge but also inspires, builds community and shapes the world. She noted that EFOTT 2025 is not only about entertainment but also about values. “Several dozen of our staff members and over sixty of our students are working on-site to ensure the event is a true community experience,” she highlighted. “Our institution is represented with thirteen special installations across more than 900 square metres, where we welcome everyone with our technological innovations, creative ideas, and community programmes.”

 

 

 

Galery (Adorján András)