Trenčín mayor Richard Rybníček has expressed concern over information suggesting that two Defence Ministry representatives on the supervisory board of Aircraft Repair Company Trencin have not yet stated whether they will support signing a contract regarding the future of the Pohoda festival, which is held annually at Trenčín airport.
In a social media post, Rybníček stated that he considers such an approach to be absurd and highly risky.
Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer-SD) said that the mayor had incorrect information and that nothing has been decided yet.
"Anyone who understands culture, the organisation of large events or the functioning of a city or regional economy must realise that uncertainty over such a fundamental issue can have serious consequences. It is all the more strange that, according to information confirmed for me, other events at Trenčín airport, including the Grape festival, already have contracts signed for next year or future years. Pohoda doesn't," said Rybníček.
"It is therefore difficult to avoid the feeling that this may not be simply bureaucracy or indecision, but also politics and an attempt to put pressure on a free and independent festival," he added, pointing out that the festival brings economic benefits to the city.
Kaliňák replied that it is natural for companies to stop renting out their premises for private events as operations expand.
"Remember that the last air show took place at Bratislava airport in 2004, because combining civil operations with an air show was no longer sustainable. And that [show] was only for two days. It simply became impossible. Just as today we probably would no longer be able to organise air days at Bratislava airport. Not even in Kosice now," he said.
According to the Minister, Pohoda has several alternative options, including airports in Zilina or Piestany.
Festival director Michal Kaščák commented that Pohoda has a very good relationship with the aircraft repair company and has received positive signals regarding continuation.
"Despite this, we still don't have definitive approval for Pohoda to continue at Trenčín airport, which is essential for organising Pohoda 2027. Confirmation of major artists for 2027 is already under way, and without specifying the venue, no one will sign contracts with us, meaning that we could lose marquee names. We also need to know whether we can confirm partnerships, suppliers and launch ticket pre-sales," he said.
Source: TASR
