Minister J. Naď: We want to reach out to people at Military Summer Festivals

Today, the Open Air Theatre in Zemplínska Šírava is hosting the first in a series of five Military Summer Festivals. Through the stunning musicianship of the SVK Armed Forces Band and popular bands, combined with side events, the Ministry of Defence wants to bring the roles and operations of the Slovak Armed Forces closer to the public. The programme lasts from14:00hrs to 22:00hrs. Admission is free.

Speaking at the festival in Zemplínska Šírava, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “One of the MOD's important principles is to deliver active and open communications, because that's the way forward in presenting to the public the very complex issue of State defence – its mission, tasks and Euro-Atlantic anchor of security. Thanks to the Military Summer Festival, we can bring these themes and our Armed Forces personnel a step closer to the public.”

While the audience is treated to musical entertainment, discussions with members of the public about service in the SVK Armed Forces are being led in a separate tent. The speakers are military professionals who not only present their jobs, but also take questions from the public about different facets of their work. Alongside this, visitors to the festival can have a close look at military equipment, weaponry and clothing on display. The programme also features a performance by the SVK Armed Forces Guard of Honour.

The event's charitable spirit is most present inside the “Support A Good Cause” tent, where T-shirts with military themes are sold. All the proceeds from today's Military Summer Festival will go towards the White Crayon fundraising initiative, organised by the SVK Blind and Partially Sighted Union. Additionally, there will be a charitable auction of sports equipment donated by sportspeople of the DUKLA Military Sports Centre Banská Bystrica, followed by autograph signing and photo opportunities.

To comply with the current gathering limits to public events, the number of visitors to the festival is continually monitored and made available at the entrance to the open air theatre and on the official Military Summer Festival Facebook page at Facebook ).

The next Military Summer Festivals are due to take place on 1 August 2021 in Banská Bystrica, 8 August 2021 in Liptovský Mikuláš, 15 August 2021 in Banská Štiavnica and 22 August 2021 in Piešťany.