Festival

On 23–25 June 2022, the twenty-second Kilkim Žaibu took place in Aukštaitija for the first time, on the grounds of the President Antanas Smetona Manor Museum beside Lake Lėnas in the Ukmergė district. The new location broadened the festival’s historical themes. Alongside Midsummer traditions, Baltic tribes and medieval warfare, the programme explored struggles for freedom in the interwar and post-war periods, partisan life and the history of resistance.

The programme featured Sepultura, Marduk, Vltimas and other leading heavy music acts. We were especially glad that 1914 had been able to leave war-torn Ukraine and join us. Skylė’s “Broliai” and displays by the historical groups Partizanas and Miško broliai complemented the programme devoted to struggles for freedom. The combination of concerts, crafts, battles and games gained further meaning in this new setting.

Settling into the manor grounds was difficult. Heavy rain before the event flooded the planned ten-hectare quiet campsite, forcing us to relocate the main stage and build temporary roads. During the festival, heat replaced the rain, and the first day’s traffic caused long queues. Although attendance was close to a record, inflation and underestimated costs weighed on the financial result. Still, Ukmergė’s hospitality, the high standard of the stages and the community’s support gave us a foundation to continue working in our new home.