The second edition of the Summer Family Festival and the Alguer Lido Fest closed its doors on a high note. Organizers emphasized that for seven days, from August 18th to 24th, the Lungomare Barcellona and Lido San Giovanni transformed into a multifaceted stage: shows, sports, music, crafts, food, and socializing. A collective celebration enlivened families, young people, and tourists. The initiative, organized by ASD Polisportiva Sottorete with President Stefano Ogno and the SummerBeach team, enriched the Lido's summer program. Some events, such as the magic show and the Color Fest, took place within the Summer Beach Village. Other events, along with the trade fair, were held on the Lungomare Barcellona, creating a continuum between the beach and the city.
"It was a great satisfaction," says Ogno. "SummerBeach's mission has always been inclusiveness, using sport as a vehicle for promotion. Thanks to our love for our city, we've been trying to offer a healthy alternative accessible to everyone for 21 years now: children, young and old."
The Summer Family Festival focused on children and parents. Animated fairy tales, theatrical performances, a sandcastle competition, baby dance, and even cartoon music brought together adults and children. There were also outdoor sports and craft and food and wine stands. "We wanted to be a little more daring," Ogno continues, "and we managed to create an event with everything: magic and theatrical shows, a festival of colors, a sandcastle competition, baby dance, music for teenagers, and plenty of delicious local and national food."
Meanwhile, the Alguer Lido Fest energized the evenings: concerts, DJ sets, and teen parties enlivened the Lido's nightlife, offering young people opportunities to meet and have fun. The organizers reported impressive numbers, with thousands of attendees overall and a strong online response. "We're extremely satisfied," adds Fernando Desogus, organizer of the Alguer Lido Fest, along with his staff. "We had an extraordinary turnout, with so many families and young people participating enthusiastically. Many also wrote to us on social media, with messages and comments that filled us with joy. For us, it confirms that the commitment and passion of young people can yield concrete results and enhance the local area."
Behind the scenes, the work hasn't been easy. "It's a very complex project that requires months of work," Ogno explains, "but thanks to dialogue with the local authorities and the neighborhood, we're finding solutions to meet everyone's needs." He emphasizes the project's identity: "SummerBeach, after 21 years, is a celebration that defines the city's identity. I can't imagine that space being empty all summer." The festival also benefited from the patronage and support of the Municipality of Alghero and the Alghero Foundation, who recognized its cultural, social, and tourism value. "I want to thank the administration, and especially the Family Policy Office, who immediately supported and embraced our initiative, understanding the project's noble intent and helping us find sustainable solutions." This result sweeps aside the controversy of recent days, when some politicians on both the right and left had criticized the format of festivals held in the city's elite circles.
