Tolmin - The confluence of the Soča and the Tolminka near Tolmin, which has become one of the most popular venues for music festivals in the last two decades, will welcome festival goers again this year after a two-year coronavirus hiatus. The feel might be different, though, as the local community has put in place strict new rules.

The musical programme may last only eight hours a day and must end by 1am. And during the duration of festivals organisers must provide unhindered access to the area between 6am and 6pm so that locals may enjoy the sandy river beach, according to an ordinance recently confirmed by the Tolmin municipality.

The original proposal was even stricter, most notably by making the beach off-limits to festival goers, but was toned down after festival organisers complained that it would make it impossible to hold events.

Six festivals ranging from metal and punk to electronica and folk will take place this year: the Soča Outdoor Festival, Sajeta, Butik, Metaldays, Punk Rock Holiday and Overjam.