Rockers from the Schentwick Plateau are not driven out by a heat wave.

The Gora Rocka music festival, held annually on Šentviška Planota near Tolmin, has once again become a vibrant hub of culture, community, and entertainment this week. Despite the sweltering heat that gripped the region, attendees found ways to enjoy the event, whether by cooling off in the Idrijca River, participating in sports activities, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of one of Slovenia’s most beloved rock festivals. With over 25 musical acts scheduled across three evenings, the festival continues its tradition of bringing together both established and emerging artists under the open sky.

The festival began with a dynamic opening act by Paul Grem, Mitja, and Marko Stropnik, whose energetic performance set the tone for the evening. This was followed by local blues-rockers The Jammocrats, who brought their signature blend of blues, rock, and soul to the stage. Their performance was particularly meaningful as Uroš Mrak, a long-time volunteer of Gora Rocka, was part of the lineup, adding a layer of nostalgia and continuity to the event. Later in the evening, veteran rock group Bohem took the stage, joined by singer Zala Smolnikar, offering a tribute to longtime fans who have followed them since the festival's inception in 2003.

As the night progressed, the crowd was treated to performances by Zmelkoow, known for their sharp wit and satirical lyrics. Their set included hits like "Mrtev konj" and "Gravitacija," alongside new tracks from their latest album, such as "Rogljiček" and "Realni svet." The highlight of Thursday’s concert, however, was the return of the legendary band Tabu, now featuring their new lead vocalist Katarina Samobor. Her powerful voice and charismatic presence were immediately felt, as she delivered both new songs like "Vsak dan" and "Hooker" alongside the band’s classics. The performance was described as highly polished, energetic, and self-assured, marking a triumphant comeback for the group.

Friday saw the temperatures rise significantly, pushing past 30 degrees Celsius, which led many festival-goers to seek relief in the river or other shaded areas. However, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the focus shifted back to the main stage. The day’s events kicked off with Cherry Flavoured, a young guitar-driven band from the Savinja Valley, who showcased their unique sound developed in collaboration with producer Dejan Radičević. The lineup also featured several winners of the Laško Glasbeni Poligon project, including Mint, Dunja Vrhovnik, and Paul Grem, highlighting the festival’s commitment to supporting emerging talent.

In addition to the musical performances, the festival offered a variety of activities designed to engage visitors throughout the day. Sports enthusiasts could participate in volleyball, soccer on slopes, wooden log throwing, rope pulling, and go-kart racing. For those seeking relaxation, there was also a slip’n’slide attraction and yoga sessions accompanied by beer. Comedy acts such as Gašper Bergant and Marko Žerjal added to the festive mood, while the UM & KUNA Freestyle Show brought an explosion of freestyle rap and improvisation.

One of the highlights of the festival was the screening of the documentary film *Gora Rocka*, directed by Miran Zupanič. Produced in collaboration with Arsmedia and the Slovenian Film Centre, the film explores the origins and evolution of the festival, tracing its journey from a modest local initiative into one of Slovenia’s most recognizable charitable music events. Through interviews with organizers, musicians, and attendees, the film reflects on the power of community and the enduring love for music that brings people together.

The festival has consistently supported charitable causes, having raised over 230,000 euros since its inception. These funds have been donated to organizations such as Botrstvo v Sloveniji, Karitas, Junaki 3. Nadstropja, Palčica Pomagalčica, Društvo Humanitarček, and Sklad Viljem Julijan. This year, the proceeds will continue to benefit local communities, individuals, and charitable institutions, reinforcing the festival’s mission beyond mere entertainment.

With its mix of high-energy performances, diverse activities, and strong emphasis on community engagement, Gora Rocka remains a cornerstone of Slovenia’s cultural calendar. As the weekend progresses, the festival promises more unforgettable moments, ensuring that even amidst the summer heat, the spirit of rock and camaraderie thrives.