Pencho Milkov welcomes the participants in the review of amateur artistic creation and the festival of the brass bands of the Land Forces

Wednesday, 25 June 2025

A solemn ceremony in the Plenary Hall of the Ruse Municipality marked the beginning of the final stage of the review of amateur artistic creation and the festival of military brass bands of the Land Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria. Within three days - from June 25 to 27, Ruse is hosting both events, which will involve over 300 servicemen from 12 garrisons in the country, who will present the wealth of cultural tradition in the army community.

"Being strong does not only mean having physical training and discipline. True strength is the one that preserves the spirit, culture and faith in our national identity. In your person - the people in uniform, we see bearers not only of security, but also of moral stability, of the Bulgarian spirit, which is preserved and transmitted with honor," said the mayor of the Ruse Municipality, Pencho Milkov, in his greeting. He emphasized that Ruse has always been a city of culture, but also of respect for statehood and the army, and events like this make it possible to bring the public and the armed forces closer together through the power of art.

The opening was also attended by the regional governor Dragomir Draganov, who emphasized the importance of the army as a bearer of stability and national dignity. “The artistic creation that we will see in the coming days is a testament to the depth of the human spirit behind every uniform,” he said.

The forum began with the performance of the national anthem and the emblematic marching song “Great is our soldier.” Over the next two days, the Plenary Hall will host competitive performances in various genres – folk and pop songs, instrumental and dance performances, theatrical sketches and humorous sketches.

The Head of the Personnel Department at the Land Forces Command, Colonel Nanko Tarapanov, for his part, emphasized that the event is proof that servicemen can demonstrate their dedication not only on the training ground, but also on stage.

Among the official guests of the event were also the Deputy Mayor of Ruse Municipality Borislav Rachev, the Head of the Ruse Garrison and Commander of Military Formation 32420 Lieutenant Colonel Pavlin Iliev, the Director of the Regional Directorate for Fire Safety and Population Protection Commissioner Svetoslav Voychev, the Head of the Military Club - Ruse Denitsa Asparuhova, as well as representatives of the local and state administration.

The final stage of the review will end on June 27 with an official award ceremony for the distinguished participants. Admission to all events is free.

The Festival of Military Brass Bands will take place on June 26 (Wednesday) at 6 p.m. on Svoboda Square. It will involve over 100 professional musicians from four military orchestras from the country, who will parade along Aleksandrovska Street to reach the central city square, where they will perform a solemn concert. The commander of the Land Forces, Major General Deyan Deshkov, will also take part in the festival.

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