WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

We are pleased to invite Orchestras, Brass Bands, and Majorette Teams (children, youth, and adult groups) to participate in the XXXIII International Majorette & Orchestra Festival “FESTIVAL OF BATON & BRASS”, which will be held from June 18–22, 2026, in Durres, Albania.

The intention of our invitation and the Festival light motive is to present the cultural tradition of different countries and to provide an opportunity for the members of groups to get together, to establish friendships and culture presentation through music.The idea of the Festival is to bring the music closer to the people and to present the music on the streets and the squares.

Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest and most captivating coastal cities, beautifully merges ancient heritage with vibrant seaside life. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, it is known for its long sandy beaches, lively promenade, and rich history dating back over 3,000 years. The city’s centerpiece, the Roman Amphitheatre—one of the largest in the Balkans—stands as a testament to its glorious past. Strolling through Durrës reveals a blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influences alongside modern cafés, seafood restaurants, and a bustling marina. With its golden sunsets and Mediterranean charm, Durrës offers the perfect mix of history, leisure, and coastal beauty.

 General Rules:

This is a non-competitive festival open to orchestras, brass bands, and majorette teams.

Children’s ensembles (⅔ of participants aged 16 or younger), youth ensembles (⅔ aged 25 or younger), and adult ensembles (⅓ older than 25) are all welcome.

Each group may have up to 70 members, including dancers, managers, and musicians. Family members may also join at the same price.

Participation is limited to three groups per country.

Each group performs 10–15 minutes (USB or live orchestra).

Performances take place in the evening hours, leaving the daytime for leisure and sightseeing.

Groups must send a short CV (6–7 sentences in English) and 5 photos of the ensemble, and bring their national flag.

Groups must arrange their own transport for arrival and departure.

Flights:
Low-cost flights are available via Wizz Air and Ryan Air to Tirana Airport.

 Accommodation Cost:

The festival will be held at Hotel Bonita (5★), a luxurious beachfront hotel featuring an outdoor swimming pool, private beach, spa center, and gym.
Accommodation is provided in double rooms for leaders and drivers, with triple rooms also available.

Participation Fee:
153 EUR per person – 3 HB (3 nights with 2 meals)
193 EUR per person – 4 HB (4 nights with 2 meals)
233 EUR per person – 5 HB (5 nights with 2 meals)

After the festival, participants may extend their stay at the hotel for 45 EUR per person (HB).
Double room supplement: 10 EUR per person per day
Single room supplement: 20 EUR per person per day

 Festival organizers provide:

For 25 dancers – one gratis

Souvenir and gift for each group

Welcome cocktail with leaders

Certificate for attendance

Drinks during the performance

Advertising of the festival (press release, social media promotion, posters and flayers) 

Free parking

Insurance: Groups must have their own personal responsibility and health insurance.

First aid and medical services will be available and covered by the group.

A tourist tax of 1 EUR per person per day is an additional cost.

Transportation: for groups who are coming by plane, we can arrange transport from Tirana airport to Durres. (Paid additionally).

 Program Information

Day 1
13:00 – Arrival in Durres, hotel accommodation, and free time (beach time)
18:00–19:00 – Dinner (buffet) in hotel
21:00 – Welcome reception with leaders of the groups

Day 2
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast (buffet)
11:00–15:00 – Sightseeing in Durres
18:00–19:00 – Dinner (buffet) in hotel
19:30–23:00 – Defile on the main street leading to the square for the Opening of the Festival, followed by performances of each group

Day 3
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast (buffet)
10:30–15:00 – Beach time or optional visit to Kruja (entrance 2 EUR)
17:00–18:00 – Dinner (buffet) in hotel

Day 4
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast (buffet)
10:30–15:00 – Beach time or optional visit to Kruja (entrance 2 EUR)
17:00–18:00 – Dinner (buffet) in hotel
21:00 – Party with all participants around the swimming pool

Day 5
09:00–11:00 – Breakfast (buffet)
11:00 – Departure of participants

COMMUNICATION STEPS

Step 1 — Apply

Fill out the online application form with your group details.

Step 2 — Confirmation

You’ll instantly receive an email confirming we got your application.

Step 3 — Application Number

Within 2 days you’ll receive your Application Number and required materials list.

Step 4 — Review

WOFA reviews your application and checks availability.

Step 5 — Acceptance

If accepted, you’ll receive an Invitation Letter and deposit instructions.

Deposit must be paid within 10 days.

Step 6 — Secure Your Spot

Send us your deposit confirmation. Your participation is officially confirmed.

Step 7 — Finalization

A WOFA coordinator will guide you through the final steps: participant list, travel details, and performance info.

 Important Details

The organizers provide a stage for all performances.
Festival location:https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3138911,19.4462747,83m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkwNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

 The official festival program will be provided one month before arrival.

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ316vYNOijWI2d2Rjq-OaT24M

 Excursions Information

BERAT – UNESCO Full-Day Tour (15 guests minimum)
Explore the UNESCO city of Berat, with its white Ottoman houses, ancient fortress, and rich cultural heritage.

KRUJA – Half-Day Tour (15 guests minimum)
Visit the historic town of Kruja, home to Skanderbeg’s fortress and the famous Ottoman bazaar.

TIRANA & KRUJA – Full-Day Tour (15 guests minimum)
Discover the contrast between the modern capital Tirana and the historic town of Kruja.

TIRANA – Half-Day Tour (15 guests minimum)
Experience Tirana’s colorful architecture, Skanderbeg Square, and vibrant local life.

Divjakë–Karavasta National Park – Full-Day Tour (15 guests minimum)
Enjoy the pristine nature of Albania’s wetlands, home to the rare Dalmatian pelican, through walking and birdwatching activities.

 NEWS FROM THE FESTIVAL                                            Published on 25.06.2025

From  17-21 June  2025 in Durres  was held  XXXII International Majorette & Orchestra Festival “FESTIVAL OF BATON & BRASS””,with great success.

At the festival over 250 participants from Ukraine, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Poland

On the welcome reception with the leaders of the groups on 17 June director of the festival Mr Zoran Strezovski wished them welcome in the beautiful city and explained the detailed program.

On 19 June festival evening was held on the stage of the city of Bar where all ensembles had their performances. Organizers of the festivals were WOFA - World Festival Association

In 2023 the festival had over 300 participants and 6 ensembles from 6 EU countries..

NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED on 280 participants and 8 ensembles!!

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Reviews from the groups:

This festival has review of 5 groups and average estimation is EXCELLENT - 9,3/10