Date and time: Saturday, 17:00-18:00
Location: Victory Square, Main Stage
Organizer: Bastion-Várbástya Association
The Szolnok Air Force Band was founded in 1969, and in 2026 it celebrates its 57th year of existence. The ensemble operates under the command of the Hungarian Defence Forces’ 86th Helicopter Brigade “Kiss József.” In addition to providing musical accompaniment at military and ceremonial events, its mission is to promote Hungarian musical culture and strengthen the relationship between the Hungarian Defence Forces and civil society.
Over the past decades, the band has participated in international military band festivals and major events in numerous European countries. In 2017, it represented Hungary and the Hungarian Defence Forces at the World Expo in Astana, and in 2019 it performed in Brussels as part of the “NATO 20” series of events.
Its artistic work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. In 2019, the band received the Prima Award and the Jász-Nagykun Art Award, while in 2022 it achieved great success at the “Hungarian Day” event in Kosovo, organized by the KFOR Command.
The city of Szolnok has repeatedly recognized the ensemble’s cultural contribution. In 2001, the band received the “In Memory of Gyula Kaposvár” Cultural Award, and in 2024 it was presented with one of the most prestigious distinctions of the City of Szolnok, the “Silver Pelican” Award.
The artistic director and conductor of the Szolnok Air Force Band is Major János Molnár, a Prima Award-winning conductor. His deputy is Captain Sándor Márki.
