Woodstock Ukraine was inspired by the famous Woodstock Festival that took place on a dairy farm in New York in August 1969. The Vietnam War was in full swing, and some performers used the event as a platform for expressing protest against the war and the country’s establishment. Over the years, many people have begun to perceive Woodstock as a symbol of free and peaceful co-existence, as well as mutual assistance of a huge number of people united by a common idea.
In 1995, Polish charity organization named the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy) organized the first Woodstock Festival Poland as a way of thanking its volunteers. The festival was a success and it was decided to hold it annually. In 2013, Ukrainian foundation Heart to Heart decided to bring this tradition to Ukraine and held the first installment of Woodstock Ukraine.
Main goals of Woodstock Ukraine are to unite people from different regions of Ukraine in the struggle for peace, support the volunteer movement and charity organizations, and bring together a diverse group of artists. According to the organizers, it is music that can fill the hearts of Ukrainians with peace and love and help them become a united nation that fights against war.
The first Woodstock Ukraine was held in the village of Hrybivka near Odessa in 2013. The next year, the festival changed its venue and moved to the village of Svirzh near Lviv. The village is known for Svirzh Castle, a 15th century castle that had stood in ruins for many years but was restored in the 1970s.
The line-up of the festival features well-known Ukrainian bands as well as guest performers from other countries such as Poland, Belarus, Estonia, Serbia, Mexico, Canada, Switzerland. Ukrainian artists and bands that have performed at Woodstock Ukraine include TNMK, PanKe Shava, Bahroma, Letay, Haydamaky, TaRuta, SKAI, Svjata Vatra, and others. Along with concerts, the program of the festival features theater performances, workshops, autograph sessions, contests and competitions, yoga, and more.
Photo: woodstock.in.ua
