Wrocław sets date for European Capital of Culture

Wrocław has been gearing up for next year's celebration since 2013. "This is one of the biggest events in the city's post-war history," said city mayor Rafał Dutkiewicz at Thursday's press conference.

Krzysztof Maj, the head of Impart Festival Office responsible for preparing the events, assures the artistic programme of the ECC will cater to a variety of tastes. "Our goal was to provide access to culture in places such as parks, hospitals and correctional institutions, so that all residents are included in this celebration," Maj said.

The key event of January's opening ceremony is a performance titled "Awakening", staged throughout the city, portraying Wrocław's history. The undertaking will involve 1,300 artists, 200 choir singers, 50 soldiers, 300 cyclists and 5 trams.

Up to 100 cultural events are lined up for the three-day inauguration ceremony.

Overall, Wrocław is to hold over a thousand artistic events throughout the year in a variety of fields, including architecture, cinematography, literature, music, visual arts, theater and opera. The undertaking is to take up some PLN 300 million (over EUR 70 mln) in total.

For more information on the programme of the European Capital of Culture Wrocław 2016 click here. (aba/di)

Source: PAP