TAM TAM Music Festival Sućuraj – A Small Festival with a Big Character on the East of Hvar
The TAM TAM Music Festival is one of the most recognisable summer events in Sućuraj and one of the more intriguing small festivals of independent music along the Croatian coast. Established in 2012, it brings alternative rock bands, singer-songwriters, experimental performers, DJs, and an audience to Hvar that comes for more than just the sea and nightclubs during July.
The festival originated quite differently from large commercial music events. It grew out of the local underground scene, with improvised concerts and parties that were organised in Sućuraj as far back as the late 1990s. This informal, DIY character has persisted to this day and has become one of the main features of TAM TAM.
The main concerts are traditionally held at the football pitch approximately a kilometre from the centre of Sućuraj, while part of the programme also takes place at other locations in the village during the festival days. In recent years, the programme has expanded to include workshops, social gatherings, DJ sets, seaside activities, and camping, transforming TAM TAM from just a few evening performances into a small summer festival village at the eastern end of Hvar.
How TAM TAM Got Its Name
The story behind the festival's name perhaps best describes its character.
The Sućuraj underground scene has existed long before the festival itself. The first electronic music party took place back in 1997, and over the following years, parties were organised at the heliport, in Perna Bay, and at other locations far enough away from residential areas.
Over time, the local rock scene became increasingly active alongside electronic music. In 2008, a concert was held at the football pitch where the stage was constructed from two small TAM trucks. This improvised concept was used for several years thereafter.
When the first proper festival edition took place on 3rd August 2012 at the pitch, in front of approximately 400 attendees, the name practically established itself – the two TAMs became TAM TAM Music Festival.
Alternative and Independent Music Instead of Big Commercial Names
From the outset, TAM TAM has not aimed to transform into a large mainstream festival.
The programme primarily focuses on the independent regional and international scene – alternative rock, post-punk, indie, psychedelia, experimental music, and various forms of electronic music.
Over the years, numerous performers from Croatia and other European countries have graced Sućuraj, and the festival has become a place where established names from the alternative scene can be heard alongside new bands that the audience is just discovering.
The festival's size is its advantage. There is no sense of a large festival complex between performers and the audience, with VIP zones and long distances between stages. Everything remains small enough for performers, organisers, visitors, and the residents of Sućuraj to continuously encounter each other in the same streets, beaches, and cafés over the course of a few days.
A Festival That Lasts Much Longer Than Evening Concerts
Over the years, TAM TAM has evolved beyond the format of a classic weekend festival.
The main concert programme remains the heart of the event, but a festival day in Sućuraj can start with swimming or a morning activity, continue with workshops and social gatherings, and end with concerts and music late into the night.
The programme changes from year to year, but recent editions have included workshops, choir singing, yoga, seaside activities, free diving, creative workshops for children, fanzine creation, programmes dedicated to the history of Sućuraj, and other content.
It is particularly interesting that the festival utilises the location itself in this way. Visitors do not spend several days enclosed within festival grounds but get to know Sućuraj, its beaches, old streets, and local community.
Camping is an Important Part of the TAM TAM Experience
For some attendees, TAM TAM without camping is almost not the same festival.
Camping has become an important part of the event over the years, with a simple festival lifestyle in the shade of pine trees and the sea nearby. The number of camping spots is intentionally limited, which helps the festival maintain a small scale and relaxed atmosphere.
Those who do not wish to camp can stay in private accommodation in Sućuraj and walk to the festival.
As Sućuraj is a small place, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance during the festival days, especially if one wishes to stay during the main concert part of the programme.
The Football Pitch as the Main Stage
The main concert venue is located at the Sućuraj football pitch, approximately a kilometre from the centre of the village along the road leading west from Sućuraj.
At first glance, the location may not seem like a typical festival space, but this is where TAM TAM originated, and the football pitch has become part of its identity.
It is possible to walk from the centre, so a car is generally not necessary. For the evening return, it is good to have a mobile phone or a small torch, especially if staying outside the village centre.
For the exact schedule of stages, entrances, camping, and accompanying facilities, it is advisable to check the information for the current festival edition, as the organisation of space may change.
Sućuraj During TAM TAM
TAM TAM brings an atmosphere to Sućuraj that is absent for the rest of the summer.
The small village at the far east of Hvar becomes a gathering place for an audience of alternative music from Croatia and abroad for a few days. Festival visitors fill the beaches during the day, swim at Česminica and nearby bays, stroll to the lighthouse and the pier, and in the evening head towards the pitch.
This is quite a different experience of Hvar compared to what is usually associated with the town of Hvar and its large clubs. TAM TAM is smaller, simpler, and more immediate, with a greater emphasis on music, community, and a multi-day stay rather than a single big night out.
Sustainability and a DIY Approach
One of the festival's unique features is its pronounced care for the environment.
The organisers encourage waste separation and responsible behaviour in the campsite, organise beach clean-up actions, and strive to connect as much of the festival life as possible with the local community.
In recent years, TAM TAM has also distinguished itself as a completely vegan festival, including food related to the festival camp.
All of this fits well with its original DIY approach: the idea is not to create the largest event but a festival that can maintain its own character and a small community of people who return to it.
When is the TAM TAM Music Festival Held?
TAM TAM takes place during July, but the exact date and duration of the programme are determined for each edition separately.
In recent years, the festival has expanded to several days, with the main concert days being just part of the overall programme.
Therefore, before planning a trip, it is essential to check the official announcements from the organisers – particularly the dates, performers, ticket information, camping, and whether certain activities are free or require a festival ticket.
How to Get to the Festival
The simplest way to arrive from the mainland is by ferry Drvenik – Sućuraj. The ferry docks practically in the village itself, so after disembarking, one can continue on foot to the centre, accommodation, and festival locations.
Those arriving in Hvar via Stari Grad find themselves at the opposite end of the very long island, and the journey to Sućuraj is significantly longer.
For visitors coming solely for TAM TAM, the approach via the Makarska Riviera and Drvenik is often more convenient.
Tickets and Accommodation
The ticket model may vary from year to year. Some of the accompanying programme may be freely accessible, while tickets are sold for the main concert evenings and the festival camp.
The camp has a limited capacity, and more popular editions can sell out well in advance of the festival.
If camping tickets are sold out, the festival can still be attended by staying in a private apartment or other accommodation in Sućuraj and purchasing the appropriate concert ticket.
Useful Information
Location: Sućuraj, Hvar Island
Festival Start: 2012
Time of Year: during July
Main Location: football pitch, approximately 1 km from the centre of Sućuraj
Music: alternative rock, indie, post-punk, experimental and electronic music
Programme: concerts, DJ sets, workshops, and other daytime activities
Camping: yes, according to the programme and rules of the current edition
Organiser: Citizens' Association Pelišnjak
Access from Sućuraj: possible on foot
Recommendation: book accommodation and camping in advance, and check the current programme and tickets before arrival
Special Feature: a small independent festival born from the local Sućuraj underground scene
Stay Updated
Current dates, performers, tickets, camping, and programme changes are published on the official Facebook page TAM TAM Music Festival:
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