British Council is organising a festival and an adventure triathlon on 7-8 July in partnership with Environmental Association Za Zemiata and National Park Rila.

In addition to the sport event and festival we are organising a forum theatre and a public debate at the Red House on sustainable park management and supporting a documentary about the protected areas in Bulgaria (under Natura 2000). In order to present the UK experience in park management we’ll have guests from the National Trust taking part in the public debate (if interested to find out more www.nationaltrust.org.uk)

The triathlon will consist of hiking, climbing & cycling aiming to popularise Rila National park as an alternative setting for outdoor entertainment in line with nature preservation good practices. The route of the triathlon is relatively easy (suitable for amateurs) and all three parts should take 5-6 hours in total. Taking part in one or two of the sports is also an option. Over 30 organisations are partnering in the project, most of them contributing with prizes – different sport equipment. We would like to invite you to take part in the event – registration is open until 5 July at the following site http://www.zazemiata.org/youthadventure where you can find detailed information about the site, equipment, security etc. (in Bulgarian).

We are also organising a festival parallel to the sport event where local music, dances, customs, food, family hotels etc. will be presented. A concert will be held at the festival site on 7 July. You can stay at the camping site (several workshops for environmental art, composting etc) or alternatively guest houses in Dupnitsa, Sapareva Bania or the surrounding villages could be used. Both events will take place next to Samoranovo (a village 3 km away from Dupnitsa) – map of the location here.

We hope to see you all at the start of the event and guarantee that you’ll have fun if you join us!