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Thousands of people attended the Czech Army's annual Bahna Day on Saturday at the Zadní Bahna training area near Strašice in western Bohemia. One of the country's largest military events for the public, it featured demonstrations of military equipment and combat readiness by the Czech Army's ground forces.

Among the main attractions were some of the newest additions to the army's arsenal, including the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle and the Leopard 2A4 tank. Visitors also watched soldiers in field exercises, military vehicles in action, aircraft flyovers, parachute demonstrations and displays by various army units.

The event also featured military equipment from foreign participants, including Poland and Austria. Bahna began in 1990 as a small gathering of military technology enthusiasts and has since grown into an event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.

The Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding on Saturday with a free open-air concert in Prague's Riegrovy Sady park. Conducted by Petr Popelka and Robert Jindra, the performance will feature popular works ranging from Smetana's The Moldau to Dvořák's Largo from the New World Symphony.

The concert forms part of a day-long programme for the public. Performers appearing throughout the day include the Epoque Quartet, Clarinet Factory and the brass band Luďa banda, while children's activities will also be on offer.

The event also serves as a prelude to the orchestra's centenary season, which will officially open in September at Prague's Rudolfinum with a reconstruction of the ensemble's very first concert from 1926.

Lawyer Eva Kostolanská has been elected as Czechia’s new ombudswoman, defeating former government human rights commissioner Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková in a parliamentary vote on Friday.

Kostolanská, who works at the Office of the Public Defender of Rights, won 93 votes, comfortably exceeding the 87 needed for election. Her rival received 58 votes.

She will formally take office after being sworn in, replacing Stanislav Křeček, whose term has already expired.

Vamberk lace has become the first Czech craft product to receive European protected geographical indication status. The designation is intended to boost the prestige of the traditional lace-making craft and guarantee the product’s origin and quality.

The recognition comes under new EU legislation that extends geographical protection beyond food products to include craft and industrial goods. Lace-making in the Vamberk region dates back to the 17th century.

The label can be used by lace makers in the Orlické Mountains and surrounding areas who preserve the region’s traditional techniques. Officials say the designation highlights the cultural and artistic significance of Vamberk lace while helping consumers identify authentic products.