On Saturday 4 June, a one-of-a-kind music festival will take place in Albania, the Vjosa Forever Concert in Tepelene.
Organised by EcoAlbania who have been instrumental in fighting for the protection of the Vjosa and the designation of its entirety as a National Park, the concert will take place in Lord Byron Square in Tepelene, in the south of the country.
The concert kicks off at 20.00 and lasts until 22.00. Artists on the billing include world-renowned Elina DUni, along with Eugent Bushpepa, Vlashent Sata, Eda Zari, Shpat Deda, Asgje Sikur Dielli, Florjan Binaj, Linda Rukaj, Grupi Tepelenes, and DJ Cool.
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Entry is free and free transport is provided to and from Tirana.
The Vjosa River is Europe’s last wild river and has been subject to a long-running local and international campaign to provide it with National Park status. This would protect it from the development of airports, luxury tourism resorts, hydropower plants and dams, and exploration and exploitation for oil by Shell.
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The river is unspoiled and is home to unique flora and fauna, centuries old traditions, and it supports the livelihoods of thousands of people. It is also a popular tourism destination, offering rafting, watersporrts, and hiking along its shores.
Stretching for 272 kilometres, the first 80 of which are in Greece, the Vjosa has been designated a Nature Park by the government. While this offers some protection, it does not provide the maximum demanded by NGOs and citizens, that would prevent it from exploitation.
Hollywood actor Leonardo di Caprio and global brand Patagonia have also been involved in fighting for its protection.
To find out more, contact 0676066636 or 0699199303
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Just last weekend, another festival was held in honour of the river called Vjosa n’Fest in the city of Permet.
