The Atlas United music festival in Ukraine is gearing up for a comeback after the country’s full-scale invasion by Russia earlier this year. Despite the ongoing threat of missile attacks, the festival’s program director, Vlad Yaremchuk, has been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the 25,000 attendees expected to attend.
This year’s event has been relocated to a shopping mall as a precautionary measure, with two stages set up in the car park to accommodate the festival-goers. The festival has been organized in record time, with only a few months to plan compared to the usual year-long preparation.
While international headliners have declined to perform due to safety concerns, homegrown acts like indie band Disappeared Completely and solo artist Shmiska are stepping up to take their place. The festival aims to raise funds for drones to support soldiers on the front line and to bring awareness to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Despite the challenges and risks involved, the spirit of the festival remains strong, with artists and attendees alike eager to come together and celebrate life through music and community. As Vlad Yaremchuk puts it, “People need some joy in their lives, even through these hard times.”
