The Blues nad Bobrem Festival, created in 1990 by several enthusiasts, grew into a respected nationwide event. After twenty years, no one in the city was interested in organizing it. The mayor was potentially willing to offer 20,000 zlotys—just a drop in the ocean of what was needed. The director of the Bolesławiec Cultural Centre could not take on the organization of another major event. The Via Sudetica Association was organizing Gliniada and was not interested in blues. The County Office offered the greatest assistance, but no concrete talks had yet begun. The problem was the lack of a venue in Bolesławiec where concerts and jam sessions could be held. Blues nad Bobrem was written off, with claims that no one listened to this music anymore.
Krystyna Juszkiewicz from the Association, seeking help from every possible source, resumed talks with Kliczków Castle. In Kliczków, the Association was welcomed with open arms, even though not everyone in the Association could accept that the event would not take place in Bolesławiec. A proposal written by Ewa Ołenicz-Bernacka and locating the event at the Castle was sent to the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The results were awaited with great hope and anxiety.
On Friday, the eagerly awaited decision was announced. The Ministry awarded the Blues nad Bobrem Association 300,000 zlotys to organize the 20th Anniversary BnB Festival. There is only one sad note in this good news. According to the proposal, the festival would take place this year at Kliczków Castle. We do not yet have confirmation whether some individual events can be moved to Bolesławiec. Apart from the blues Mass, which as always will be celebrated at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Kwiatowe Estate.
The proposal submitted to the Ministry will make it possible to organize workshops, a band showcase, jam sessions and concerts. There will also be a photographic exhibition presenting the twenty-year tradition of this unique event, born in Bolesławiec. Kliczków Castle, undoubtedly a beautiful and distinguished venue, will provide an excellent setting for the Festival. The event will not disappear from the map of Poland, just as it has never disappeared from the hearts of all those who feel the blues.
The editorial team of the newspaper and portal IstotneInformacje.pl congratulates the Blues nad Bobrem Association, Ewa Ołenicz-Bernacka, as well as Barbara Szypulska, Piotr Gnyszka and Adam Różycki, who helped prepare the application.