Kyiv's Strichka returns this weekend for first festival since 2019

Strichka festival is set to throw its first event since 2019 this weekend, from its home at ribbon factory-turned nightclub, Closer in Kyiv.

Alex Savage, Bambu, Borys, Peshka, zolaa and many more Ukrainian acts are set to perform.

The festival has been running since 2014, after local artist Nastia celebrated her birthday party at the venue alongside an already existing day party — transforming it into a small festival, with a line-up of DJs and electronic artists.

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Before the pandemic, the event would have music running for over 30 hours across seven dancefloors, starting at 9:PM on Saturday through to the early hours of Monday, however, curfew rules have altered this.

For the first day of the festival, the annual honorary opening in the yard will not be commencing due to curfew rules, but instead, an audiovisual performance of 'Atotal' by French Franck Vigroux and Antoine Schmitt will kick off the event.

The ribbon factory that is Closer will see its gates open at 11:AM each day with a food court and relaxation area available.

Returning for the first time since the COVID pandemic and the Ukrainian war, a statement on the festival website explains that the narrative behind the festival and venue - which is titled ‘Ribbon’ - is “perhaps the most important”.

This story is said to represent the people that, “fight for the truth, helps the country, the Armed Forces and friends, gets sick and recovers, in other words, live to the fullest and even knows how to laugh - at difficulties.”

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The venue will be merging its rooms together with Maxixi decorations which are said to “emphasize the integrity of the event, combining the mystery of ancient times with the technology of a happy future.”

Check out the full line-up to Strichka this weekend below. Tickets are only available for the second day of the festival and will be sold at the entrance.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter