The present situation of the FBF is the one that we mentioned earlier, with big numbers of visitors and relevant logistic problems.
There are also more subtle problems about the identity of the festival-which is by now a phenomenon appealing to the masses, with lots of people blocking the way, making the performances difficult to enjoy and “changing” something of the original atmosphere of the event.
The tested an consolidated formula has been enriched with new faces: besides charity initiatives like “Il Grande Capello”, and the recording of a CD with a musical excerpt for each of the invited artists in 2001, the most important novelty was the opening of the “Buskergarden” in2000.This is an open space near the city walls where artists perform until late at night, in a secluded setting where the noise and the annoyance for the citizens is dramatically reduced. Indeed, it is quite impressive to see such a popular amusement area, with 2-3000young people at 2 o’clock in the morning, just happy to stay together and enjoy them. It has become so popular that in 2001 the area has been open for the whole month of August, with its own program, two stages and booths, a bar, catering areas and structures for campers during the festival week.