Marko Perković Thompson concert begins at the Hippodrome

A concert by Marko Perković Thompson began at the Zagreb Hippodrome on Saturday evening, which organizers estimate could bring together up to half a million people, making it the largest musical event of its kind in Croatia.

Marko Perković Thompson opened the concert at 9 p.m. with the song "Ustani iz sjene". A set list of around 30 songs is expected, including songs from different phases of his musical career, from the early nineties to the latest albums. Among them are "Bojna Čavoglave", "Geni kameni", "E, moj narode", "Vjetre s Dinare" and "Moj Ivane".

The concert has been promoted as a "musical and patriotic spectacle", and Thompson is expected to be joined on the stage set up at the Hippodrome by Bishop in Remembrance, Mons. Ante Ivas, who is expected to recite the Maranatha prayer.

Audiences from all over Croatia, as well as from abroad, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany and Austria, began arriving in the morning, with large crowds registered on roads leading to Zagreb, on public transport and around the Hippodrome. Initial estimates indicate that more than 350 000 people had gathered at the Hippodrome by the start of the concert, and the total number of visitors could reach an impressive 500 000.

More than 6 500 police officers, around 5 000 security guards and stewards, and 70 firefighters were deployed to ensure security at the event. Special traffic regulations were also introduced in the city center and roads leading to the venue. So far the Zagreb Police Department has reported that 44 people had been detained for possessing fireworks. Meanwhile, the Red Cross has registered 63 interventions, mostly due to exhaustion and minor injuries.

The concert is expected to last until midnight. Road closures and changes to public transport will remain in effect until Sunday morning, and organizers have called on citizens to be patient and follow the instructions of authorities and services on the ground.

Source: HRT