Atlas United: Ukraine music festival back despite war

Keep The Music Playing Despite Missile Threats At Ukrainian Festival

Picture credit, Getty Images

Prior to the complete invasion by Russia in 2022, the festival had a similar appearance to many other large music events globally. This photograph shows the main stage from the 2019 festival.

How can a music festival for 25,000 attendees be organized while facing the possibility of a Russian missile threat?

Vlad Yaremchuk has been working on finding the answer to that question for the past several months.

He is in charge of the programming for Atlas United, the largest music festival in Ukraine.

The event is scheduled to make a comeback this weekend for the first time since Russia's complete invasion of the country in February 2022.

However, things are a bit different this year - the event has moved to a shopping mall as a precaution in case of an aerial attack.

In a recent interview with BBC Newsbeat, Vlad announced that Atlas has been delayed by a week due to a series of tragic missile attacks, one of which targeted a children's hospital.

He acknowledges that there has been significant pressure leading up to this year's event, but he remains hopeful that it will take place as planned.

He is looking forward to watching the first-time festival-goers arrive.

"We've longed for that sensation."

Picture credit goes to Vlad Yaremchuk

Vlad Yaremchuk mentioned that the planning for this year's Atlas was done much faster than in previous years.

Ever since its inception in 2015, the Atlas festival has taken place in the capital city of Ukraine, Kyiv, and has featured well-known artists like Kasabian, The Chemical Brothers, and Liam Gallagher.

Planning a major festival requires a lot of time and effort, but Vlad mentioned that they only received approval for the 2024 event earlier this spring.

He says that typically, an event of this magnitude would require at least a year of planning.

We never imagined that we would be able to participate in a festival while the war is ongoing.

However, he further notes that "the truth is, cultural events can still take place even during times of war."

Vlad predicts that Atlas will have around 25,000 attendees, including fans, crew, and artists, which is more than previous events that have had a maximum of 10,000 people.

Having so many individuals gathered in such close quarters raises a significant worry about a possible aerial assault.

Vlad mentioned that the answer to the problem was the recently built location, which consists of two stages set up in the parking lot of a shopping center in Kyiv.

The Music Never Stops

"It provides a place to stay for over 100,000 individuals," Vlad stated.

There will be plenty of room to get everyone out fast - we're talking just a few minutes.

Vlad explains that it can be difficult to persuade individuals, who are accustomed to the sound of air-raid sirens, to go to a shelter when the alarm goes off.

However, he also mentioned a solution for that - shifting the festival to an underground location.

If the audience needs to escape for safety reasons, Vlad mentioned that there is a whole stage and a bar where the music can still go on.

We won't have any big-name performers from other countries this year.

Vlad mentioned that they were asked, but many people said no because they were worried about their safety.

He says he respects the decision, but seeing musicians performing in Russia at this time really angers him.

"He finds that annoying," he comments.

"If individuals truly consider the situation and conclude that it is not suitable for them due to fear for their safety, that is understandable."

This means that local artists will have the opportunity to secure some of the headlining spots on the lineup.

Picture credit goes to the talented Polina Grebenik

Ukraine's Disappeared Completely is set to headline at the upcoming Atlas United festival.

This section features Vitalii and Marina, members of the independent band Disappeared Completely.

"Everyone deserves to have some happiness in their life, even during difficult times," Vitalii shared.

Marina comments that coming together with others to celebrate the joy of life is always a wonderful experience.

"Just think about the little things that make you happy each day, because they may not be there tomorrow."

Enjoy these moments and show gratitude for the people in your life while you still have the chance.

They have mentioned that after enduring years of aerial assaults, they are no longer concerned about putting on a show outdoors.

"We have become accustomed to this situation. It may not sound good, as it involves war and the possibility of death. However, life continues and we must adjust," Vitalii explains.

Picture credit, Getty Images

Singer Shmiska announces that she is preparing for a major show for her fellow Ukranian fans.

Although a festival may offer a brief escape from the conflict, the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia is mirrored in Atlas United.

The festival aims to collect a minimum of €2 million (around £1.7 million), with the majority of the funds going towards purchasing drones to support troops in combat zones.

Some Ukrainian performers who have been gaining attention internationally are coming back to Ukraine to put on shows.

Independent musician Shmiska, currently residing in Paris, emphasizes the significance of returning for the festival.

"Sometimes people begin to feel hopeless. They start to lose sight of their dreams," she explains.

I believe that it is our duty as artists to provide people with the opportunity to experience emotions and imagine once more.

Shmiska is currently touring all over Europe and expresses concern that Ukraine is beginning to slip from people's minds.

She wants to create an unforgettable performance in Kyiv by incorporating dazzling light displays and numerous wardrobe changes.

"It's a wonderful chance to feel rejuvenated," she exclaims.

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