World Folk Dance Competition 2026: Istanbul and Balıkesir

World Folk Dance Competition 2026: Istanbul and Balıkesir

An international folk dance competition on 13–19 July 2026: 40 teams from 36 countries, 1,670 competitors, daily transport for around 2,000 people and catering for 56,000 covers over seven days.

World Folk Dance Competition, a project of the Türkiye Folk Dance Federation (THOF), took place on 13–19 July 2026 in Istanbul, with part of the programme running in parallel in Balıkesir. The competition brought together 40 teams from 36 countries — 1,670 competitors — with around 2,000 people on site every day. Our team was responsible for the operations: logistics, accommodation, transport, catering and venue coordination.

Arrivals and transport

• Airport meet-and-greet and transfers for every delegation.
• 46 coaches a day in Istanbul, 70 vehicles in total.
• Daily transport of around 2,000 people to programme venues, with alternative routing scenarios prepared in advance.

Catering

• Catering for 56,000 covers over seven days.
• Around 85% of the catering served at off-site locations, in line with rehearsal and performance schedules.

Venues and programme

• Opening ceremony at Beşiktaş Stadium and a parade of around 2,000 participants to Beşiktaş Square.
• On-site coordination at the Harbiye Open-Air Theatre, Müze Gazhane and events in several districts.
• Management of costumes, make-up, rehearsals, backstage and stage flow; gala, show and competition operations.
• Logistics for simultaneous activities in Istanbul and Balıkesir.

Planning and coordination

The project required detailed planning, contract management and continuous coordination with the federation, venues, suppliers and delegations. Yusuf Cemal Yüksel, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and of the Organising Committee of the Türkiye Folk Dance Federation, took an active role in managing the operational processes.

Outcome

World Folk Dance Competition 2026 is one of our team's largest projects. It shows how we handle large international events: disciplined operations, close teamwork, quick problem-solving when plans change and the coordination of many stakeholders at once.