Rockers roll up for Polish Woodstock

A happy couple at the 20th Przystanek Woodstock Festival. Photo: PAP/Lech Muszynski

As many as 70 acts are set to perform at the jubilee edition, with the action spread across four stages.

The free festival is held by one of Poland's key charitable foundations, the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, and the event was originally conceived as a way of thanking the organisation's many volunteers.

However, it quickly became one of the biggest open-air events in Europe, drawing festival-goers from across Poland, Germany and beyond.

This year, gigs to look out for include sets by eighties metal veterans Skid Row, legendary Polish rockers Piersi, and Spanish-French eclectic star Manu Chao.

A sea of tents at the 20th Przystanek Woodstock Festival.Photo: PAP/Lech Muszynski

As always, there will also be a chance to chat with luminaries from the art world, as well as movers and shakers in other spheres, in the so-called Academy of Arts section.

This year, guests include award-winning film director Agnieszka Holland (Europa Europa, The Secret Garden, In Darkness), actor Boguslaw Linda, Nobel Peace Prize-winner Muhammad Yunus, and Grammy-winning composer and jazz pianist Wlodek Pawlik.

Over a million punters typically descend on Kostrzyn for the event, and Polish Railways has laid on extra train services.

The 20th Przystanek Woodstock Festival closes on 2 August. (nh)