Standing tall amidst the hustle and bustle of Ostrava, I, once a mighty gasholder, now go by the name "Gong". I’ve witnessed the rise, peak, and metamorphosis of the Vítkovice area, a testament to Ostrava’s rich industrial legacy. In Ostrava's nascent days, beneath the surface lay vast reservoirs of black gold - coal. As the 19th century advanced, so did the town, transitioning from pastoral landscapes to a thriving industrial heartland. The mines dug deeper, the chimneys grew taller, and the molten iron flowed like fiery rivers. The Vítkovice area became synonymous with steel production, coal mining, and the spirited heartbeat of workers who toiled day in and day out. Yet, as time moved on, so did industry. The deep roar of the machines started fading, the plumes of smoke thinned, and the mines began to close. But Ostrava, resilient and robust, wouldn’t let the spirit of Vítkovice die. We, the monumental structures, were not to be left to crumble and decay. A transformation was on the horizon. Where once echoed the sounds of metal clanging and steam hissing, now resonate melodies of guitars, drums, and euphoric crowds. I've been repurposed into a multifunctional hall, and my cavernous interiors have played host to conferences, exhibitions, and concerts. One of the most vibrant events that adorn my calendar is the "Colours of Ostrava", a music festival that sees performers from all around the globe, drawing thousands of attendees. It’s a sight to behold! The vast grounds of Vítkovice, filled with echoes of its industrious past, now reverberate with music, laughter, and the zest of cultural celebrations. As Gong, I stand proud, not just as a monument to what once was, but as a beacon of the city's unyielding spirit and its embrace of the new while honouring the past.