In Plzeň, they are finishing up support for the fight for the title of European Capital of Culture 2015

Plzeň - In Plzeň, the final events to support the city's candidacy for the European Capital of Culture for the year 2015 are approaching completion. A decision will be made in 13 days. Plzeň residents can look forward to a Japanese festival, the traditional Pilsner Fest, a new event called World-Making at the former brewery showcasing the use of empty space, a concert by the Plzeň Philharmonic with the band The Tap Tap, farmers' markets, and more. This was stated to journalists by city representatives.
    "There are eleven days left until the arrival of the committee in Plzeň, after which they will go to Ostrava. The jury will decide on September 8. All our public activities fit into the candidacy project. Its goal is also to restore pride among the people of Plzeň in being from Plzeň," said Deputy Mayor Marcela Krejsová.
    The music festival associated with the biggest celebration of Plzeň beer, the Pilsner Fest, will kick off in Plzeň this Friday. "It is one of the most significant events at the end of the candidacy summer," added Krejsová. Organizers expect up to 30,000 visitors, with more than 20 prominent Czech bands from various genres performing, often playing in unconventional collaborations with other artists. There will also be an attempt to break the record for the largest collective toast, among other activities. For the very first time, music will echo along U Prazdroje street, which will be closed to traffic and become a pedestrian boulevard.
    The second-largest event will be the Days of Japanese Culture celebrating 20 years of partnership between Plzeň and the Japanese city of Takasaki. The friendship between the two cities originally arose from the export of brewing tanks to the Japanese city, and now Plzeň is also exporting its culture there. The event will start on September 2 and run until September 13. It will feature, among other things, an exhibition of exceptional origami exhibits from around the world. "Nothing similar has been realized in the country so far. The most significant part of the program from an artistic perspective will be the performance of a butō dancer, along with workshops on calligraphy, bonsai shaping, tea ceremonies, and more," said Ivo Hucl, who is responsible for the festival.
    The area of the former brewery Světovar will also open to the public starting Monday, which is to be revitalized and used for a museum of design and lifestyle, a multi-genre cultural center, and a city archive. "We want to show that the spaces can be used for various presentations," Krejsová stated. Světovar will offer exhibitions, workshops, dance rehearsals, theatrical performances, concerts, and more.
    Plzeň’s candidacy will also be supported by a concert by the Plzeň Philharmonic and the band The Tap Tap, composed of students and graduates of the Jedlička Institute. Actor Tomáš Hanák and musician David Koller will perform with the band. The historic first joint concert of both ensembles will take place on September 1 at 6:00 PM in Republic Square.
    An event called Plzeň Shines in September, focusing on the integration of foreigners, will take place four days later in the amphitheater by the Plaza shopping center. On the same day, September 5, Biodožínky, or a day full of organic food and health, will also take place at Selská náves in Plzeň-Černice.
    All information about the candidacy and individual events can be found on the internet.