WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

Istanbul, a city where two continents meet, is bounded by the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara to the south, with the Bosphorus Strait flowing between its European and Asian halves. Known for its museums, historical landmarks, vibrant shopping centers, and lively social areas, Istanbul is a city that bridges history and modernity. Each year, Istanbul hosts festivals for children and youth, inviting participants to experience the city's rich culture and the mystery of the Bosphorus.

Festival Details

• Dates:
  Start: 23 November 2025 at 16:00
  End: 27 November 2025 at 10:00

• Eligibility:
  Participants must be 8 years old or older.
  Groups may include singing ensembles, majorettes, choruses, folk dance troupes, and modern dance groups.

• Performance Requirements:
  Performances should last 5, 10, or 15 minutes. Music can be live or played via CD. Photos of the group must be submitted to the organizing team.

Preliminary Program

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul in the afternoon. Free time followed by dinner and a meeting with group leaders.
Day 2: Breakfast followed by a visit to the Byzantine historic district, including the Blue Mosque (free entry), St. Sofia, Topkapı Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Free time, dinner, and performances at the open-air municipality stage.
Day 3: Breakfast followed by shopping or a visit to the Marmara Sea beach for groups wishing to enjoy the seaside. Festival performances will take place at the open-air municipality stage. Groups will also teach their country's traditional dances and learn Turkish rhythms and dances.
Day 4: A special Bosphorus boat tour (20 Euro per person) or shopping. The day ends with performances at the open-air municipality stage.
Day 5: Departure from Istanbul.

Note: The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the program.

Participation Fee

The participation fee is 195 Euro per person for 4 nights, including:

• Accommodation in a 3-star hotel with 2-3 beds per room, private toilet, and shower.

• Breakfast and dinner daily.

Free Participation for Leaders/Drivers:

• Groups of 30+ participants receive 1 free leader or driver.

• Groups of 45+ participants receive 2 free leaders or drivers.

Exclusions

The participation fee does not include:

• Transportation to festival venues and excursions, which must be arranged by the group.

• Bosphorus boat tour (20 Euro per person).

• Diesel fuel for group buses.

Airport Transfers

Transfers from Istanbul Airport will be arranged at the following rates (round trip):

• 42 people on the bus: 25 Euro per person

• 30 people on the bus: 30 Euro per person

• 20 people on the bus: 35 Euro per person

• 10 people on the bus: 40 Euro per person

Groups arriving by plane can hire a bus for all ground transportation during the festival, including airport transfers, excursions to historical sites (one-time visit on the European side), and transportation to performance venues. The bus rental fee must be paid to the festival committee on the first day.

Medical Insurance

All participants must secure medical insurance before attending the festival. The organizing committee will not cover any medical or hospital expenses. Emergency ambulance services will be provided if necessary.

Application & Payments

Groups interested in participating must submit an Application Form. Approved groups must:

1. Pay a 10% guarantee fee in advance, which will be deducted from the final payment.

2. Hotel reservations will be secured after a 20% deposit of the total fee.