Carousel of Dreams

The orchestra has been playing for us for a quarter of a century. Breaking with tradition, the 25th finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation is held on the third Sunday of January.

It works like a perfectly oiled machine, providing us with wild entertainment during the deep, dark winter months. The finale concert held on 15 January is held under the banner Spinning for 25 Years. In Kraków, the main events are held at the Rynek Główny. The stage situated between the Sukiennice and the Church of St. Wojciech welcomes lively rock bands Navigator, Flatmind and People of the Haze from 4:30pm. Stars of the evening will be audience favourites Kabanos, the acclaimed Golden Life and the Polish-Norwegian ensemble De Press with the charismatic frontman Andrzej Dziubek. But energetic concerts are only some of the attractions. The hearts of Cracovians are captivated by Scandinavian warriors, and the city is filled with stands teaching first aid. The Sukiennice branch of the National Museum in Kraków serves as the orchestra’s headquarters – you’ll be able to watch them as they work. Traditionally, the finale culminates with the light towards the heavens illuminating Kraków from 8pm.

If you’re thirsty for sporting emotions, test yourself during the 5th Great Heart Run or the Facing Up to Diabetes Run. And if you’re after something more extreme, come long to the Bagry reservoir where you can take a dip in the chilly water under the watchful eye of the winter swimmers form Kraków’s Kaloryfer club.

We’ll also be taken on a wild ride by MotoOrkiestra. Rally drivers, motorcyclists, quad bikers, drifters and paragliders gather at the M1 shopping centre. Fans of motor racing enjoy antique vehicles, replicas of Janusz Kulig’s rally cars, concerts and auctions. The Nowa Huta Cultural Centre is also holding its own finale (4pm-7pm),

Once again, the orchestra is raising funds for children and elderly patients. Last year’s finale raised a record-breaking 72 million zlotys. Will we break another record this year? We’ll soon find out! (Artur Jackowski, "karnet" magazine)