Festival

On 21–23 June 2024, the twenty-fourth Kilkim Žaibu took place on the grounds of the President Antanas Smetona Manor Museum beside Lake Lėnas. It was a record edition for the number of musical acts: thirty-six took part, half of them travelling by air. Despite demanding journeys and logistics, every band reached the festival and performed on time. Moonspell replaced My Dying Bride after the latter cancelled their performances.

Participation in the living history programme also grew, with more than two hundred people gathering in the oak grove devoted to warriors and crafts alone. Ancient warriors, those preserving partisan history, craftspeople and educators continued to strengthen the festival’s Baltic identity. Ensiferum, Crypta, Blackbraid, Jungle Rot and other international guests praised the stage crews and the audience’s support.

Growth also exposed problems. Traffic queues returned on the first day, despite extra staff at the ticket office and on the security team. Problems with toilet servicing caused further inconvenience until another cleaning crew could be brought in. We discussed these issues with local partners as we sought solutions for the anniversary edition. Over three years in Aukštaitija, the festival had grown considerably, and support from Ukmergė’s leaders and the museum encouraged us to keep building its future in the region.