Festival

On 29 June–1 July 2023, the twenty-third Kilkim Žaibu returned to the grounds of the President Antanas Smetona Manor Museum beside Lake Lėnas for the second time. We were already feeling at home in the Ukmergė area: we knew the site better, cooperation with the municipality and museum had grown stronger, and a new security team helped us avoid the previous year’s entrance queues.

The festival programme featured Sodom, the long-awaited Electric Wizard and other internationally renowned performers. Skyforger prepared a special programme dedicated to struggles for freedom, playing songs from “Latviešu strēlnieki”. The warriors’ and crafts area, the range of educational activities and the market avenue all grew. Professional stage sound, lighting and crew support allowed us to deliver our most substantial musical programme to date.

For the organisers, however, this was a difficult edition. On the eve of the festival, a storm brought down thirteen trees and damaged fences, tents, sculptures and stage flags. The event’s costs were the highest in its history, services had become considerably more expensive, and attendance was almost half that of the previous year. Covering the costs became difficult, so we appealed to the community for support. The dedication of our unpaid team helped us get through the event and retain the determination to continue its story.