Upės Festival culminates with performances by previously paired Benas Aleksandravičius and Angelou
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The first-ever Upės Festival took place in Vilnius along the Neris River, featuring music, activities, and cultural events.
- A highlight was the "Red Bull Tandemynės" cycling show on water, with participants Paulius Samoška and Omantas Jokubaitis competing.
- The festival also featured performances by "Colours of Bubbles," Angelou, and ba., with past public discussion noted about a connection between Angelou and ba. frontman Benas Aleksandravičius.
Vilnius buzzed with energy during the inaugural Upės Festival, transforming the Neris River banks into a vibrant hub of entertainment and culture. The festival, stretching from Vingis Park Bridge to Žirmūnas Bridge, offered a diverse range of attractions, including music, active leisure, creative workshops, and educational experiences.
Historically a central axis of Vilnius, the Neris River served as the backdrop for a modern celebration, inviting residents to reconnect with the city and experience it in a new light. The festival's program included concerts, open-air cinema screenings, dance performances, book club meetings, family activities, and sports events, fostering a sense of community.
A standout event was the "Red Bull Tandemynės," a unique cycling competition on water held for the first time in the Baltic countries. Teams showcased not only speed but also creativity, with notable participants including Paulius Samoška and Omantas Jokubaitis.
As evening fell, the festival continued with performances by "Colours of Bubbles" near the White Bridge, followed by sets from Angelou and the band ba. The presence of these artists, particularly Angelou and ba. frontman Benas Aleksandravičius, drew attention, recalling past public discussions about their connection. The festival successfully brought together various elements of Vilnius's cultural and recreational life along its iconic river.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.