HISTORY
2008
The first edition of Orange Warsaw Festival took place at Parade Square (Plac Defilad) on the 6th of September, 2008. The six concerts performed were attended by more than 35,000 Warsaw inhabitants.
Orange Warsaw Festival was opened by the concert of artists who were participants of the project ‘W Hołdzie Tadeuszowi Nalepie’. The participants could listen to artists who were legends of Polish rock music – Jan Borysewicz and Andrzej Nowak. The audience reacted very lively to songs which were dedicated to the father of Polish blues. Among them there were played such hits as ‘Kiedy byłem małym chłopcem, ‘Pożegnalny blues’ and ‘Co to za człowiek’.
After the first concert had ended, the artists of ‘Café Fogg’ performed at the chamber scene. The music project was dedicated to another artist, Mieczysław Fogg, who was very close to all Warsaw residents. New arrangements of the unforgettable songs of Polish Frank Sinatra were performed by Pinnawela, Mika Urbaniak, Sławek Uniatowski and Aleksandra Nieśpielak. Thanks to the artists the participants of the festival had an opportunity to make a sentimental travel back to the times of ‘Tango Milonga’ and “Ta ostatnia niedziela’.
After the concerts of Polish artists have got to the end, the legends of electro-rock, British Apollo 440, appeared on the large stage. They performed their most famous songs from such albums as ‘Stop The Rock’ and ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Dub’. Afterwards, the audience whipped into a frenzy by the performance of the Brits, gathered in front of the chamber scene and got drawn into the music world of eccentric Swedes of Teddybears.
Incredibly dynamic and zestful concert of the artists prepared the audience for Kelly Rowland, a member of a legendary Destiny’s Child. The beautiful artists played songs from her solo album ‘Ms. Kelly’ and hits from the times when she performed with Beyonce and Michelle as the most famous female trio in the history of pop music. Several thousands of participants greeted Kelly’s welcome saying ‘Siemano!’ with massive cheering. Kelly managed to draw the audience in the climate of black rhythms.
However, the unquestionable superstar of the evening was Wyclef Jean, the founder of The Fugees who cooperated with such artists as Shakira or Whitney Houston. The concert, which originally was to last for about an hour, prolonged to last 3 hours. The artists performed the most famous songs of The Fugees and music hits from his solo albums such as ‘Maria, Maria’, ‘Sweetest Girl’ and “Guantanamera’. The audience was also fascinated with interactive elements of the show – breakdance performances, drummers and reggae party on stage for tens of beautiful Polish girls selected from the audience.
Line up: Cafe Fogg, W hołdzie Nalepie, Apollo 440, Teddybears, Kelly Rowland, Wyclef Jean.
2009
The concert weekend which took place on the 4th and 5th of September, 2009, met with a huge interest among the audience which could not be stopped either with rainy showers or winds. The participants of Orange Warsaw Festival 2008 reacted with great energy and enthusiasm to the performances of that year’s artists. In total, the concerts and additional activities were attended by more than 50,000 people.
The fans of N*E*R*D will remember their performance for good. The producer and raper Pharell Williams established great contact with the audience, setting them on fire and making jump to the rock-punk music. Groove Armada artists who performed on the main stage afterwards had the task made easier for them – the mix of well-known hits and premiere songs caused a never-ending cheering of the audience.
Those who chose the young stage were not disappointed too. After good performances given by Out of Tune and Skinni Patrini, they could admire the master of scretching – Calvin Harris. The young Scot get the audience going by serving his greatest hits. The following concert – of the New York band MGMT – it was needed to arrive much earlier to be able to get close to the stage. The fans of the band filled the park and the crowd ended as far as Swietokrzyska street.
Line up: Maria Sadowska, JaConfetti, Smolik, Rezorlight, Afromental, June, The Crystal Method, N.E.R.D, Groove Armada, Out Of Tune, Skinny Patrini, Plastic, Calvin Harris, MGMT
2010
Worldwide famous stars and various music styles were attractions of the third edition of Orange Warsaw Festival which took place on the 28th and 29th of August at the area of Służewiec horsing track in Warsaw.
It was two days of real music! Fascinating comeback of Edyta Bartosiewicz, rock energy of Courtney Love, unique show of Mika and energetic show of Nelly Furtado – it was the stage and the climate of Orange Warsaw Festival 2010!
The first day of the festival belonged definitely to Edyta Bartosiewicz. The audience didn’t want to let the artist go off the stage. Edyta was touched too. She sang her greatest hits in new arrangements and some new tracks from her newly released album. Prior to Edyta there was a concert of controversial Courtney Love and the band named Hole. It was a truly wild rock performance. They played tough, wild and decisive. Love played an encore and also performed ‘Jeremy’, the hit of Pearl Jam, upon the request of the audience. Eddie Vedder would definitely not be ashamed of her version. Saturday was also the day of White Lies, Kumka Olik and Kim Nowak, while on Sunday there were concerts of Aura Dione and Lisa Hannigan. Afterwards, there was time for some Polish accents. Barefoot Monika Brodka sang the hits from her newest album.
However, the real show was performed by Mika, a remarkable artist from Lebanon, who entirely worked his magic on the audience with songs and scene play. After him there was a concert of Agnieszka Chylinska who played both her own hits as well as truly rocky covers. At the end the time for Nelly Furtado came who set the stage on fire with her greatest hits. On Sunday there was also announced the winner of WOW! Music Awards contest. The TOP 3 artists: Afromental, Boogie Town and Anna Bergendahl, played on stage. However, the viewers of TVN and listeners of Radio ZET decided that the award will go to the Polish band, Afromental. According to estimates, the two days of Orange Warsaw Festival were attended by more than 30,000 people. Line up: Kumka Olik, Kim Nowak, White Lies, Hole, Edyta Bartosiewicz, Aura Dione, Lisa Hannigan, Monika Brodka, Mika, Agnieszka Chylińska, Nelly Furtado
However, the real show was performed by Mika, a remarkable artist from Lebanon, who entirely worked his magic on the audience with songs and scene play. After him there was a concert of Agnieszka Chylinska who played both her own hits as well as truly rocky covers. At the end the time for Nelly Furtado came who set the stage on fire with her greatest hits. On Sunday there was also announced the winner of WOW! Music Awards contest. The TOP 3 artists: Afromental, Boogie Town and Anna Bergendahl, played on stage. However, the viewers of TVN and listeners of Radio ZET decided that the award will go to the Polish band, Afromental. According to estimates, the two days of Orange Warsaw Festival were attended by more than 30,000 people. Line up: Kumka Olik, Kim Nowak, White Lies, Hole, Edyta Bartosiewicz, Aura Dione, Lisa Hannigan, Monika Brodka, Mika, Agnieszka Chylińska, Nelly Furtado
2011
The fourth edition of Orange Warsaw Festival was undoubtedly the most unique party of the previous summer!
Two days (the 17th and the 18th of June) of the spectacular concerts at the new stadium of Legia Warszawa inaugurated the summer of music festivals, offering the biggest music surprises of the previous summer to the Polish fans. Orange Warsaw Festival 2011 artists included: My Chemical Romance, Skunk Anansie, Moby, Jamiroquai and Plan B. The explosive mix of the most charismatic stars of the global music scene drew more than 50,000 music lovers.
The unbeatable star of the fourth edition of Orange Warsaw Festival was one of the most awaited band in Poland – My Chemical Romance. The concert of this American group on the first day of the festival, the 17th of June, was the first ever performance of the band in Poland. Their concert will be remembered thanks to great behaviour of the fans who prepared a few incredibly positive surprises for their idols. During the performance of ‘Na Na Na’ the audience showed up papers with ‘Na’ written on them, while during ‘SING’ put on masks and took out torches. The emotions reached fever pitch, but it was not the end! After My Chemical Romance the stage was taken by Skunk Anansie with Skin and the rest of the band giving an unbeatable energetic show during the concert. The final of the evening belonged to charismatic Moby who served the festival audience with the greatest sound feast for their senses ever. The artist played nearly all of his hits, starting from ‘Lie Down In Darkness’, through ‘Stars’, up to ‘In This World’. He played guitar, sang, played drums and then was back in front of the microphone. Thanks Polish fans, Moby took a camera and started to make photos of the audience jumping to his rhythms. The stadium was set on fire!
The second day of the festival, the 18thof June, was filled with same level of emotions. First the stage was taken by Przybysz sisters from Sistars who gave their anniversary performance and after some longer absence on the music stage they reminded their most popular tracks. The touched audience sang them ‘Happy Birthday’. After Sistars there was a concert of Plan B and Jamiroquai who thrilled the audience and was named the superstar of the evening. The two-hour-show by Jay Kay, the frontman of the band, caused very energetic and lively reactions of the audience. Dancing crowd did not want to let the artists leave the stage, what perfectly pictures the atmosphere of this music feast.
During Orange Warsaw Festival 2011 there were also concerts of the winners of the second edition of ‘WOW! Music Awards’. Among them Piotr Lisiecki and FOX who played during the first day of the event. Great was named also the performance of Michal Szpak, the winner of X Factor TV show, whose concert before My Chemical Romance or Skunk Anansie was his first performance in front of such wide audience ever.
Orange Warsaw Festival 2011 turned out to be an extraordinary music adventure again. The performances of great artists of world-wide music scene in an atmosphere of wild fun are becoming the label of the festival year for year.
Line up: My Chemical Romance, Skunk Anansie, Moby, Jamiroquai, Plan B, Sistars, Michał Szpak, FOX, Piotr Lisiecki.
2012
The fourth edition of Orange Warsaw Festival was a big event, the fifth must be named a hudge one. In June during two evenings and nights the Pepsi Arena Stadium was full of people who shouted, jumped, waved and raged with abandon.
The unquestionable star of Orange Warsaw Festival 2012 was Linkin Park. The information about the band’s arrival electrified music fans a few weeks before the event, the tickets were going like hot cakes.
On the first day of the festival – on Saturday –as first on stage appeared brothers Fisz and Emade which was regarded a favor to the ambitious hip-hop. De La Soul was the next singer who didn’t need much to throw a good party. The climate changed, but did not worsen, when an incredible and dark Shirley Manson appeared on stage. The Garbage vocalist visited Warsaw after seven-year-silence with her new album which was warmly welcomed by the Poles. The crowning of the first day of the festival was the performance of Californian stars- Linkin Park. They are famous for driving fans crazy who rage after the first sound of Linkin Park guitars. The band was welcomed in Warsaw with real bangs by thousands of fans. In answer they hung up Polish flag on the stage and dressed up in the Polish national football team jerseys received from fans. Linkin Park performed their most popular songs: ‘Numb’, ‘Breaking The Habbit’, ‘In The End'.
The second day of Orange Warsaw Festival was equally phenomenal. The first vocalist on stage was Clock Machine – the winner of the third edition of ‘WOW! Music Award’ contest. He was followed by the Polish band Power of Trinity –the Grand Prix winners of‘ WOW! Music Award’& KAMP who were not scared by the coming storm. Somewhere behind the scene there was Prodigy already vibrating. But before them there was Ms.Lauryn Hill performing in her nostalgic, hip-hop style. The performance of Prodigy can be named as one of their best concerts. In the heavy rainfall the audience jumped and swayed with great engagement and enthusiasm. The audience was eating from The Prodigy hands. It must be admitted that their follower, Groove Armada, had no easy task. Thanks to classic songs loved by fans the records of the band sounded great, even in the rain.
Line up: Fisz&Emade, De la Soul, Garbage, Linkin Park, Clock Machine, Power of Trinity, KAMP!, Ms. Lauryn Hill, The Prodigy and Groove Armada.
2013
Beyoncé, who performed in Poland for the first time was probably the most anticipated artist of OWF 2013. Our country was one of her stops during the “The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour”. The vocalist was accompanied by 11 women, 9 dancers and a choir. Beyoncé performer as a headliner of the first festival day. Before here, there performed a Polish rock band OCN, Tine Tempah and Basement Jaxx who started a house rhythm party.
The second day was opened by rock band Lipali with frontman Tomasz Lipnicki. A moment later one of the most important hip-hop bands in the world appeared on stage – Cypress Hill, who bring into their music alternative, rock and heavy metal sounds.
Another strong music storm was created by legendary group The Offspring, whose such hits as “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” or “Why Don’t You Get a Job?” are well known in Poland. For the end of Orange Warsaw Festival fans heard a dance rhythms from the borderline of electro, dance and big beat. The evening of May 26, 2013 belonged to an English musician, composer, DJ and producer – Fatboy Slim. His performance was accompanied by an unforgettable show “of lights and sound”.
Thanks to a great organisation and inviting a world class stars, Orange Warsaw Festival grew into the leader of similar events in Poland as is illustrated by statistics. Each year the festival attracts more and more music fans. In many cases the festival is the result of Polish fans wishes to make their favourite star perform in our country, just as is the case of Beyonce.
2014
Seventh edition of the festival will surely be remembered as the most important music event in Poland in 2014. The festival once again took place at the National Stadium but this time lasted three days and artists performed at two stages – Orange Stage and Warsaw Stage. Another novelty on the festival map was Festival City, a special area with plenty of attractions and a food court – offering a variety of different snacks and meals from food trucks to over 110 000 visitors. Within the Festival City guest could also find Rochstar Crew tent – the best music club in Warsaw.
First day of the festival was initiated by the Finnish band – French Films, presenting a mixture of alternative rock with the 80’s sound. Next on stage were Pixies, with their first visit to Poland. Their concert turned out well above expectations and a mixture of old, legendary tracks with songs from their newest album was well received by the audience. Soon afterwards, Queens of the Stone Age took the stage. Their frontman – Josh Homme – once again proved who the king of modern rock is. The audience went crazy with heavy rock sounds coming from the stage.
Warsaw Stage was also full of stars. The queen of British pop – Lily Allen – easily engaged with the audience and it didn’t take long before everyone was dancing. Following her performance, Snoop Dogg took the stage and presented a mixture of rap and reggae sounds, reincarnated as Snoop Lion.
The most anticipated group of the first day of the festival were undoubtedly Kings of Leon. The stadium filled up and Followill brothers did not disappoint. Their set was full of well-known songs and as usual, their version of melodic rock was at the highest level.
At the end of the day, Warsaw Stage hosted a young Dutch DJ and producer – Martin Garrix, who presented a heavy electronic set, making the audience dance for almost two hours.
Second day of the festival definitely had a British sense to it. First act to perform at Warsaw Stage was a twenty years old singer – Ella Eyre, who in less than 40 minutes have charmed the audience with deep and emotional pop. Moments later, Orange Stage hosted Bombay Bicycle Club. Londoners presented a mixture of guitar sounds with a touch of folk and electro. Next band performing – The Wombats – served an energetic portion of rock and the following – The Kooks – filled the stadium with light and catchy tracks. In the meantime, Warsaw Stage hosted two polish bands – Skubas and Sorry Boys, who have proven that polish rock also has much to offer. Another act performing at the greenfield stage were Hurts – synth pop duo from Manchester. After that, the style of the stage changed completely with The Prodigy on stage. The band easily engaged with thousands of fans jumping up and down to tracks like “Voodoo People” or “Firestarter”.
The most important event of the second day was Florence and the Machine’s performance. Throughout the day the most common parts of the audience’s outfit included wreaths and glitter. Since the very first minute of the concert the audience have gone into trance-like state and every gesture of the singer, Florence Welch, was welcomed with thousands of throats shouting. At the end of the day, Warsaw Stage was hosting a DJ-duo – Chase & Status. Until early morning hours the audience was dancing driven by deep bass and electronic distortion.
Third day of the festival began with polish Chemia – a Warsaw based rock band. The artists warmed up the audience and the next act – I am Giant – sustained the energy. Heavy sounds didn’t end there and were well represented by Bring me the Horizon and later by Limp Bizkit. In the meantime, Miles Kane got on stage inside the stadium. Kane, who is known for his cooperation with the frontman of Arctic Monkeys, presented his solo material. Short afterwards, Orange Stage was hosting a Manchester duo – The 1975 – with an elegant version of pop-rock. Next band didn’t need an introduction. As soon as Kasabian got on stage, the audience went crazy and the band, while mixing new, energetic tracks with well-known material presented a perfect set.
Hip-hop genre was also well represented on the third day of the festival. First off, Warsaw Stage was hosting a legendary American group – Jurassic 5. For 70 minutes, the band engaged with the audience, who danced to positive beats. Another hip-hop act performed inside of the stadium. Recently reactivated OutKast visited Poland for the first time as a part of their international tour celebrating twenty years of existence. At the very end of the festival, Orange Stage was hosting one of the world’s most recognizable DJ’s – David Guetta. Great house music combined with an incredible visual show created the best possible club experience. The Festival was also hosting some of the most promising polish bands – Fair Weather Friends, XXANAXX and ØRGANEK, who all performed in Rochstar Crew tent.
First day of the festival was initiated by the Finnish band – French Films, presenting a mixture of alternative rock with the 80’s sound. Next on stage were Pixies, with their first visit to Poland. Their concert turned out well above expectations and a mixture of old, legendary tracks with songs from their newest album was well received by the audience. Soon afterwards, Queens of the Stone Age took the stage. Their frontman – Josh Homme – once again proved who the king of modern rock is. The audience went crazy with heavy rock sounds coming from the stage.
Warsaw Stage was also full of stars. The queen of British pop – Lily Allen – easily engaged with the audience and it didn’t take long before everyone was dancing. Following her performance, Snoop Dogg took the stage and presented a mixture of rap and reggae sounds, reincarnated as Snoop Lion.
The most anticipated group of the first day of the festival were undoubtedly Kings of Leon. The stadium filled up and Followill brothers did not disappoint. Their set was full of well-known songs and as usual, their version of melodic rock was at the highest level.
At the end of the day, Warsaw Stage hosted a young Dutch DJ and producer – Martin Garrix, who presented a heavy electronic set, making the audience dance for almost two hours.
Second day of the festival definitely had a British sense to it. First act to perform at Warsaw Stage was a twenty years old singer – Ella Eyre, who in less than 40 minutes have charmed the audience with deep and emotional pop. Moments later, Orange Stage hosted Bombay Bicycle Club. Londoners presented a mixture of guitar sounds with a touch of folk and electro. Next band performing – The Wombats – served an energetic portion of rock and the following – The Kooks – filled the stadium with light and catchy tracks. In the meantime, Warsaw Stage hosted two polish bands – Skubas and Sorry Boys, who have proven that polish rock also has much to offer. Another act performing at the greenfield stage were Hurts – synth pop duo from Manchester. After that, the style of the stage changed completely with The Prodigy on stage. The band easily engaged with thousands of fans jumping up and down to tracks like “Voodoo People” or “Firestarter”.
The most important event of the second day was Florence and the Machine’s performance. Throughout the day the most common parts of the audience’s outfit included wreaths and glitter. Since the very first minute of the concert the audience have gone into trance-like state and every gesture of the singer, Florence Welch, was welcomed with thousands of throats shouting. At the end of the day, Warsaw Stage was hosting a DJ-duo – Chase & Status. Until early morning hours the audience was dancing driven by deep bass and electronic distortion.
Third day of the festival began with polish Chemia – a Warsaw based rock band. The artists warmed up the audience and the next act – I am Giant – sustained the energy. Heavy sounds didn’t end there and were well represented by Bring me the Horizon and later by Limp Bizkit. In the meantime, Miles Kane got on stage inside the stadium. Kane, who is known for his cooperation with the frontman of Arctic Monkeys, presented his solo material. Short afterwards, Orange Stage was hosting a Manchester duo – The 1975 – with an elegant version of pop-rock. Next band didn’t need an introduction. As soon as Kasabian got on stage, the audience went crazy and the band, while mixing new, energetic tracks with well-known material presented a perfect set.
Hip-hop genre was also well represented on the third day of the festival. First off, Warsaw Stage was hosting a legendary American group – Jurassic 5. For 70 minutes, the band engaged with the audience, who danced to positive beats. Another hip-hop act performed inside of the stadium. Recently reactivated OutKast visited Poland for the first time as a part of their international tour celebrating twenty years of existence. At the very end of the festival, Orange Stage was hosting one of the world’s most recognizable DJ’s – David Guetta. Great house music combined with an incredible visual show created the best possible club experience. The Festival was also hosting some of the most promising polish bands – Fair Weather Friends, XXANAXX and ØRGANEK, who all performed in Rochstar Crew tent.
2015
The eighth edition of the Orange Warsaw Festival will remain in festival participants’ memory for a long time. In 2015, the event returned to the Horse Racing Track in Służewiec. Green, open space was ideal for people looking for a picnic atmosphere. Fantastic sound system and – as every year – world renown stars attracted many fans of live music. Silent Disco, Orange Zone and many other activities including phones recycling made the festival town vibrant and full of life for three days. From Friday, 12 June until Sunday, 14 June, in the afternoon, the festival attendees could listen to music played live on as many as 3 stages! Each of them was dedicated to different stars – Orange Stage was for the greatest artists of the festival, Warsaw Stage gave more independent bands an opportunity to present themselves. As always, Rochstar Crew zone, played songs by a variety of most promising Polish performers, proved to be the best place for dancing.
Rock sounds by Wolf Alice opened the first day of the festival on Orange Stage. They were followed by Twin Atlantic who maintained the strong rock climate. Another performance referred to British folk in new arrangements, the stage was conquered by musicians from Crystal Fighters who shared their amazing energy with the participants. The performances by foreign stars were followed by a Polish star. HEY with Kasia Nosowska shifted listeners in another music dimension. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds was another Friday attraction – the guitarist and author of Oasis’ lyrics with members of his old band attracted crowds of fans who had waited a long time for this sentimental journey. The last, but not least to perform on that day were The Chemical Brothers.
At the same time Sheppard from Australia performed on Warsaw Stage. They played hits from their latest album “Bombs Away”. Then the turn came for the native star, Mela Koteluk, adored by Indie pop fans. The Warsaw stage performances would not be complete without Afromental. The evening closed with performances by heavy metal band, Three Days Grace, and Papa Roach from the US.
Rochstar Crew Stage was devoted to promising Polish stars. One of the biggest attractions of this stage were MizuMono & Funk Rockass who, with their combination of good music and modern breakdance show, opened the stage three days in a row. On the first day of the festival, the Rochstar Crew Stage hosted a performance by Terrific Sunday band from Poznań which was branded as the hope for alternative music. They were followed by Aqyness B. Marry who presented the most beautiful songs from her debut album and We Draw A band from Wroclaw proved that they provide electronic music on the highest level. The last two performances belonged to Kari – nominated to Fryderyk award in Polish Indie pop singer category and to Gooral – a trend-setter who joins dubstep and folk in Poland.
On the second day, participants in Orange Warsaw Festival could enjoy fantastic music performed by best global artists already from 3 pm. The first one to go on the main stage was the Polish band, RusT, showcasing the audience powerful emotion. The performance by British Palma Violets turned out to be equally popular as they conquered the stage from the very first seconds of their concert. Łaki Łan, Polish funk band and the great jazz singer, author of lyrics and a talented actress – Paloma Faith were also part of Saturday attractions. The festival also offered traditional American hip-hop sounds by Big Sean and rock sounds by the award winning Mark Ronson. On the day, alternative Warsaw Stage hosted such stars as Bibobit Kamp! or Tomasz Ørganek – Polish guitarist and soul singer – the performers did not let the audience be bored for a single minute. One of the more expected stars to appear on the stage was Kasia Nosowska who never fails to move her audience’s hearts. Saturday performances were closed by electrifying FKA Twigs, i.e. Tahliah Debrett Barnett – British singer and dancer.
Rusty Cage, a young band from Krakow that has gradually been gaining popularity in the country and abroad as well as Young Stadium Club formation that cooperates with Czesław Mozil, for example, were one of the biggest stars of Rochstar Crew Stage on Saturday. They were accompanied by rock performances by Cora and Carrion and electronic sounds by Bartek Schmidt a.k.a Baasch. The list of performers would not be complete without hip-hop band, Molest Ewenement.
The last day of OWF began with the performance by the Danes from Birth of Joy. After a solid portion of psychedelic rock, there came the time for sung poetry by Benjamin Clementine, a phenomenal pianist, singer and composer. Members of Metronomes and Bastille band delivered slightly more alternative sound. After 8 p.m., Incubus gave its concert and the three-day festival on Orange Stage was crowned with the performance by most highly anticipated star of the Festival – Muse. The band played its most popular songs and the audience was raving from the very first song under the stage.
The fans of Warsaw Stage climate could listen to performances by Kadebostany, Bokka band and metal band Asking Alexandria. The biggest star of the stage was very well-known Maria Peszek, Polish actress and alternative singer. She did not fail the expectations with her concert. The three-day performances on Warsaw Stage closed with the strong sounds by Parkway Drive, their charismatic frontman, Winston McCall made the audience euphoric.
Sunday on Rochstar Crew Stage also offered an abundance of great emotions. Natalia Wojcik, singer known as Zaga stole the hearts of festival participants with her subtle voice and delicate ukulele sound. Her work aspiring to poetry has also introduced the crowds to mysterious sounds by K Bleax, Polish alternative artist. The last to appear on stage were Lari Lu and Cosovel. Melodious performances of that evening enchanted the crowds and the OWF town was bursting at the seams.
The 3-day festival offered an abundance of music experience and the all-present atmosphere at the Horse Race Track made Orange Warsaw Festival one of the most renown music events in Poland.
2016
The most important musical and cultural event of Warsaw – Orange Warsaw Festival. A perfect way to spend one of the first summer weekends of the year.
It is the place where an eclectic group of artists come together to perform in one place – Editors, Schoolboy Q, Tom Odell and MØ. This is where different genres are mixed together. The crowd goes crazy for smooth and subtle Lana Del Rey performance as well as wild and ecstatic Die Antwoord and Skrillex sets. The 2016 edition was attended by over 50,000 people. They all came for an outstanding and exciting experience.
Polish artists dominated the Warsaw Stage. The tent was packed with enthusiastic fans of XXANAXX, Kaliber 44 or Sorry Boys.
2017
We were celebrating the 10th edition of Orange Warsaw Festival with phenomenal concerts, brilliant audience and beautiful weather!
Over 55,000 participants came to Służewiec Horsetrack during two days and surely they didn’t feel disappointed. Despite the festival area being bigger, the first day was sold out. The mix of rock, high-quality pop and unmatchable electronica ensured the best fun. Kings of Leon, Martin Garrix and Imagine Dragons were the most desired festival headliners in the world this summer – and they all played on the same stage in Warsaw. It is hard to decide which of the first day performers had the best reception – beloved by fans in Poland Kings of Leon or presenting a wide range of his biggest hits Martin Garrix, the 21-year-old DJ and producer whose pyrotechnic show gathered thousands of dancing peope in front of the main stage. Imagine Dragons mixed their unreleased material and their biggest hits. Kodaline and Years & Years took brief breaks from studio sessions to perform and we are sure they didn’t regret their decision. Their contact with Orange Warsaw Festival audience was very special. Flags, concert initiatives, songs sung by thousands of throats – this is something we will never forget.
2018
Florence + The Machine, Sam Smith, Dua Lipa. It was one of the strongest line-ups in orange Warsaw Festival history. Smith visited Poland for the first time, Florence Welch with her band, is preparing for the new album premiere and Dua Lipa at the top of her popularity – as she became the first soloist in this decade to have a single remaining on the top of British music chart for 7 consecutive weeks! She celebrated her success after the concert, but for her fans, the performance itself was a pure celebration of music, women’s power and gender equality!
Atmosphere of tolerance lasted much longer, as it reached Sam Smith’s concert, who fights any intolerance with his identity. With no doubts his popularity only helps in that fight, which was proven by his fans. They knew his entire repertoire from both albums as well as the singles recorded with Disclosure.
Florence + The Machine, Saturday’s headliner interested gigantic crowds of people, and for 80 minutes they have moved the audience with their greatest hits. We were not missing novelties – 3 songs from the upcoming album – including world’s premiere of the song “Patricia”. Flo’s most devoted fans claim that she has never before spent so much time among her audience as during her concert in Warsaw.
Quebonafide was one step away from jumping into the crowd. Yes, Quebonafide, the unannounced guest at Taco Hemingway’s concert, performed with Taco for five songs recorded by them both as Taconafide. It’s possible that in the close future Dua Lipa and Taco Hemingway will be the headliners of the biggest, Polish festivals.
Saturday’s night at Orange Warsaw Festival has its own rules, but also a logical consequence. This year Axwell ^ Ingrosso, provided the audience with fun with their spectacular set, playing for the dancing crowd. When it comes to the jumping on the scene, Tyler The Creator, used all his unusual, cumulated energy to his fans entertainment.
2019
From incredibly talented artists of the young generation, through pop icons, to rock giants - this is how you can describe the Orange Warsaw Festival 2019 line-up, which featured, among others, Rita Ora, Troye Sivan, The Raconteurs, Marshmello, Solange, Miles Kane and the already mentioned Miley Cyrus. "I believe that the success of the entire music festival market is the fact, that thanks to such events we manage to open up and attract new music fans", Mikołaj Ziółkowski, head of Alter Art, said in an interview for Onet, just before the start of the Orange Warsaw Festival 2019. Indeed, for some of the participants of this edition it was the first festival experience in their lives.
For some of the festival's greatest artists, including Rita Ora, Troye Sivan, Marshmello and Miley Cyrus, the undisputed queen of this year's edition, these were also the first concerts in Poland. Most of them did not hide their emotions related to the phenomenal reception of the Orange Warsaw Festival by the audience. "Best FUC**N Crowd Ever!" Rita Ora wrote right after her performance, highlighting her joy in several posts on social media. Troye Sivan, on the other hand, had to take a deep breath at the beginning of the concert to believe how many people had come to see him.
The Orange Warsaw Festival is also about strong women. Solange and Miley Cyrus are a great example that it is worth going against the tide and common expectations, and the choice of your own path and focus on development will be appreciated by fans. "It took me years to get to where I am now," said Solange at the OWF concert, stressing that she is finally happy, professionally and spiritually. On the other hand, the path that Miley Cyrus has traveled over the last several years was heard during her concert. From the hit "Party in the USA", through the groundbreaking and scandalous "Wrecking Ball", to material from the phenomenal, eclectic new EP "She Is Coming". Speaking of the 2019 OWF women, we cannot forget about Rita Ora as well. The artist showed that if you give the fans 100 percent of themselves, they can wait up to 6 years for the new album and give her a unique reception.
We would like to thank Orange, the titular sponsor, and the City of Warsaw for a great event!
2022
It’s hard to believe how long the road was to finally meet again at the biggest festival in Warsaw, which gathered 50 thousand fans during its 2 days. On a few levels, it was a time of beginnings. First of all, for the first time since 2019 we were able to enjoy the festivals on a full scale. After 3 years since the last edition, we opened the festival season in beautiful, sunny weather. During this period, a whole new generation of listeners grew up and for many of them OWF was first taste of enjoying a great concert with friends. For some of the artists, including Tyler, The Creator and Florence + The Machine, Orange Warsaw Festival meant their first festival performances in many months. The Main Stage was filled with rap passion during the shows from Stormzy, NAS and Joey Bada$$”, Foals brought the rock energy, while Charlie XCX showed she’s the queen in her category and Sigrid spread the positive vibes all around the site. Orange Warsaw Festival 2022 goes down in history as a new opening. The festivals are back! We missed you and have seen clearly how much you’ve missed the emotions, meetings and live music.
2023
For two days Orange Warsaw Festival 2023 welcomed artists representing a whole variety of genres, from Thirty Seconds To Mars and Martin Garrix, through Ellie Goulding, Zara Larsson, The 1975, to Aurora, The Kid LAROI, as well as the top of the local scene. This year’s edition was attended by 40 thousand fans and was full of exceptional moments – like first Polish shows from The Kid Laroi and Zara Larsson or the amazing performance by Thirty Seconds To Mars, who replaced Sam Smith in the line-up at the very last moment. Jared and Shannon Leto prepared a special show, with surprise guest and a bow towards the Polish music scene. Prior to the concert Jared Leto couldn’t stress enough, how important role the Polish fans play for the band. At the same time, the faithfull fans of Ellie Goulding could be seen all around the festival, with all kinds of banners and declarations of love towards the artist. The same day we witnessed a full scale of emotions with The 1975, and a spectacular finale from Martin Garrix.
2024
Orange Warsaw Festival 2024, the 15th edition of biggest music festival in Warsaw, gathered 45 thousand attendees, and went down in history as a time of euphoric meetings and an essence of diversity. Fresh, promising talents, as well as international legends performed this year at Orange Stage and Warsaw Stage.
OWF 2024 was part of the biggest tour in female rap history - Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Nicki Minaj's show in Warsaw was her first European festival performance of 2024. The Prodigy gave us a shot of raw energy, taking the fans on a journey of over 3 decades in music. Although Yeat's Friday performance had to be rescheduled to the next day, it did not stop the true fans from giving their all, when the American rapper finally arrived. Similar hip-hop energy ruled when Ken Carson and Skepta entered the stage.
With his amazing show, Troye Sivan proved to be on a straight path to global pop stardom. Jungle spread their positive vibe throughout the entire festival site, Jessie Ware reminded us of why she's and undeniable icon, and Omar Apollo made us easily fall in love with his music.
„Love who you want, and don't anybody tell you different", said Yungblud during his powerful set, making us remember that rescpect for diversity, strongly rooted in the bloodflow of OWF, should also be a fundament of being an artist.
This year’s edition was also a chance to catch promising talents like Kenya Grace, Tommy Cash and Libianca, as well as a great set of local acts, including Nita, Dawid Tyszkowski, Kaśka Sochacka, Mrozu, PRO8L3M, and Kwiat Jabłoni. As always, Orange Warsaw Festival was one of the best European festivals in terms of accessibility. Our priority is for every fstival goer to feel safe and equal.
See you at Orange Warsaw Festival 2025!
This year’s edition was also a chance to catch promising talents like Kenya Grace, Tommy Cash and Libianca, as well as a great set of local acts, including Nita, Dawid Tyszkowski, Kaśka Sochacka, Mrozu, PRO8L3M, and Kwiat Jabłoni. As always, Orange Warsaw Festival was one of the best European festivals in terms of accessibility. Our priority is for every fstival goer to feel safe and equal.
See you at Orange Warsaw Festival 2025!