Bandırma is a small district of Balıkesir city in Turkey. The town is situated in the northwest part of Turkey, only two hours away from Istanbul by ferry. In addition to its natural and historical beauties, Bandirma is also very famous with the Bird Paradise National Park in Manyas. (By clicking the links, you can read a detailed article on our website).
The festival is getting ready to celebrate its 30th year
Bandırma Bird Paradise National Park was first discovered by Professor Curt Kosswig and his wife in 1938. Afterwards, the Turkish government declared and took it under the protection of Turkish laws as a “National Park” in 1952. Thereupon, the interest in bird paradise increasingly continued.
Bandırma is a lovely city in the south of Sea of Marmara
However, after the 1980s the increasing population and the growing industry has begun to pollute the Manyas Lake and Bird Paradise. So, the Bandırma Municipality began to organise Bird Paradise International Culture and Tourism Festival in 1987. So the aim was to create both national and international attention for its protection.
Festival is going to start on the 17th of September
The Event Programme of 30th Bandirma Bird Paradise International Culture and Tourism Festival
Bandirma is going to celebrate the famous festival between 17-21 September this year. Under the shadow of Kapıdag Peninsula and Kyzikos ancient city, Bandirma expects to host tens of thousands of people during the festival.
Within the scope of the festival, many well-known artists and scientists will visit Bandırma. The festival will mainly take 11 days, between 10th of September and 21st of September. The first 6 days of festival will be held in the main square and seaside of the city. During this first section of the festival, concerts of local groups, theatre activities, local dance groups will take the stage. As for the second section of the festival, it composes the main part of 11 days of festival.
Thousands of people will meet at the Bandırma Bird Paradise International Culture and Tourism Festival
At the second part of the festival, there will be panels, art exhibitions, concerts, children’s and scientific meetings in several points of Bandırma. It will be a fullest 5 days of festival.
The Mission of 30th Bandırma Bird Paradise Festival
We are in the time of attack against environmental sustainability. That’s the reason why this festival has such an important mission. A festival, which is related to the environment, has been increasing the sensitivity for the future of mother nature.
Manyas Lake and Bird Paradise give their names to the festival. Because of the lake and around host more than 250 species of bird. Moreover, the area is a home and resting point for migratory birds toward continents. The area is very rich with regard to natural sources and biodiversity. As we can tell, the festival’s main aim is to ensure the protection of paradise.
Bandırma Bird Paradise Festival has 40 years of past
Programme of Bandırma Bird Paradise Festival
During the 30th Bandirma Bird Paradise International Culture and Tourism Festival, there will be exhibitions in different fields, such as sculpture, picture and photography. On the other hand, visitors will also have the chance to come across for scientific panels on bird paradise’s future. As for the evenings, people in Bandırma will have fun with live concerts in the Republic Square of Bandırma (the main and biggest square of the city).
There will be many different activities during the festival
Some of the names of singers who are going to take the stage are Edis, Merve Özbey, Oğuz Aksaç, and Haluk Levent. Additionally, there will be a photography contest on Bandırma Bird Lake and Around on the first day of the festival.
How to Go to Bandırma Bird Paradise Festival?
In order to go to the festival from Istanbul, take a ferry from Yenikapı Station is the easiest way. You can check for the tickets and ferry schedule here. If you will come to Bandırma from Izmir, then you can either take a bus or train. Either way, you can arrive in Bandırma around 3-4 hours. For train tickets and runs, on the other hand, you can click here.
Bandirma Bird Paradise International Culture and Tourism Festival was first celebrated in 1987
Activities will mostly be organized in open-air areas during the festival. So that you will not really need to buy a ticket in advance. However, for private concerts, ticket prices vary between TRY 20 – 30. You will able to gain your tickets from Barış Manço Culture Center.
For more information, you can go to the official website of Bandırma Municipality.