The third season of the popular city beach is the “freest” yet in terms of restrictions. The much-loved venue on Tyršovo nábrežie, on the Petržalka side of the Danube, once again offers refreshments, food and plenty of activities for kids and adults alike. In this interview, Michal Svarinský, head of the event agency that runs Tyršák, explains how Bratislava’s event and cultural scene is recovering after the pandemic – and why public pressure would help it.

How did preparations go for this year’s Tyršák – the first, so to speak, after a long stretch of pandemic restrictions?

This is our third season, so you could say we’ve never actually launched the project under any conditions other than reopening after restrictions. Of course, this new “normal” has made commercial partners more cautious than they used to be. On the other hand, we could point to two successful seasons.

Is anything still holding you back today?

As far as pandemic measures go, no. High hygiene standards should be a given for projects like ours anyway. In terms of operations and new opportunities, we’re limited by infrastructure. That’s going to improve thanks to our cooperation with the City of Bratislava, though – we’ll get water and electricity connections and convenient parking.

How does attendance compare with last year, when restrictions were looser over the summer? Is it higher or lower, and why?

We’re just as surprised by the high attendance as we were last year, and we see it as a clear sign that Tyršák has firmly found both its regulars and new visitors.

Visitors at the Tyršák city beach in Bratislava

Photo: @metthousemovie

We’re roughly halfway through the summer. How would you sum up the season so far?

Positively, of course. In the first seasons, it quickly became clear which sports and cultural activities people were interested in, so this year we built on that experience. We’ve also added new attractions, such as a mini football arena and a trampoline park for kids. We’ve expanded the cultural program with talks hosted with Denník SME, BRAINEE and the Hovorme bez obalu platform, and a collaboration with Bažant Kinematograf. Installations such as Viktor Frešo’s Pičus and the Archipelágo Gallery, with its regular exhibitions, enrich the beach in more than just a visual way. We’ve also had great feedback on the new mobile greenery – and of course, you can never have too much of that.

You’ll be open until early October. What can Bratislava residents and visitors still look forward to?

The program will continue more or less unchanged. For visitors who like an active break, there are still the beach volleyball courts and the mini football arena, and yoga fans can look forward to regular classes. We have some interesting talks lined up, and travel cinema will continue too. Regular DJ sets will be joined by concerts and pub quizzes, which are a big hit with visitors.

Are you planning a winter Tyršák again, like the one in 2021?

Definitely. The winter version is completely different from the summer one. We love being able to bring a new Christmas market tradition and create a beautiful festive atmosphere.

Tyršák on the Danube embankment in Bratislava

Photo: @metthousemovie

Has Bratislava’s event and cultural scene recovered from the pandemic years? Are you seeing a return to pre-COVID numbers – audiences, concerts and events?

That question deserves an article of its own. In short: in the past few decades, Bratislava’s event and cultural scene has never suffered as much as during the pandemic years. But getting back to the old numbers isn’t what matters. What matters is building the scene so that it can survive similar shocks in the future with smaller losses than in recent years.

What would Bratislava’s cultural scene need in order to grow and thrive?

Among many other things, definitely active public involvement. It’s important that the need for culture comes directly from us. Otherwise, you end up with watered-down activities with no clear purpose.

Tyršák’s location is unique – on the Danube embankment, in a calm setting, yet just a short hop from the city center and easy to reach on foot, by public transport or by bike. How much do you think the location on Tyršovo nábrežie contributes to the success of the city beach?

We’ve known Tyršovo nábrežie for years – our agency was also behind the former Magio Beach project for several years. We’d venture to say we have real know-how in making the most of this stretch of the embankment. We definitely see the location as one of the factors that drives attendance.

Tyršák city beach by the Danube

How do you see this area – the Petržalka bank of the Danube, Sad Janka Kráľa park, and the opposite bank with the rowing clubs and the Nové Lido development? Where do you see room for future development?

In recent years, there have been more efforts to revitalize it. But this area undoubtedly holds much greater potential for sports and culture for people from all over Bratislava, and for connecting the city with the river.

What are your favorite places in Bratislava?

Naturally, the Danube embankment, the Bratislava Forest Park, Železná studnička and Koliba. The Old Town center, with its wealth of great restaurants, isn’t bad either.

Tyršák city beach in Bratislava

Photo: @metthousemovie

Source of the original interview: spojenaba.sk