On 14 July, a rock show featuring the most prominent and beloved bands of the Vitebsk public kicked off the Slavianski Bazaar program prior to its official opening, BelTA has learned.

Each of the three bands delivered a one-hour performance each. The show opened with the group Elfimov, making their debut in this current lineup at the Slavianski Bazaar. Frontman and songwriter Petr Elfimov encouraged the crowd to join in. “It’s going to be a rock choir. I’m sure the Vitebsk public will chime in,” he said.

The group Chizh & Co delivered a set of their top tracks, balancing high-energy rock songs with deep, lyrical ballads. Fans cheered at the very first chords of the well-known songs and sang along on their feet. The guitarist’s breathtaking solos struck a chord with every rocker in attendance. The crowd freely cheered, clapped, and danced in their spots, especially to a nostalgic hit that has defined a whole generation. Shouts for requests echoed from the crowd. Tapping into the mood, the musicians instantly hit the strings, sending the venue into a frenzy of delight as the opening notes of the song rang out.

During the intervals, the host kept the crowd entertained with interactive mini-games. In one of them, the audience had to identify a musician from a childhood photograph – a challenge the rock fans passed with top marks. While the picture of the legendary Belarusian music icon Vladimir Mulyavin turned out to be the toughest, Viktor Tsoi was recognized by everyone right away.

As special guests of Vitebsk, the band Picnic delivered an epic audiovisual experience. Against the backdrop of the night sky, the stage became a brilliant canvas for the legendary rock group, creating a truly cosmic atmosphere. Iconic tracks made everyone lose track of time, and Picnic’s hour-long performance flew by unnoticed. The audience was left with a rich aftertaste – much like a masterfully crafted dish perfectly seasoned with fine spices. Rock is alive and deeply loved, and the Vitebsk festival has driven that point home.