All measures will be taken to ensure the safety of guests and participants at the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival. This was stated to journalists at the BELTA press center by Alexander Sidorenko, Director of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" International Arts Festival and General Director of the "Vitebsk" Cultural Center.
All measures will be taken to ensure the safety of guests and participants at the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival. This was stated to journalists at the BELTA press center by Alexander Sidorenko, Director of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" International Arts Festival and General Director of the "Vitebsk" Cultural Center.
"Internal affairs bodies make every effort each year to ensure safety at the festival. And, thank God, there have been no serious violations during this time," noted Alexander Sidorenko. "I am fully in favour of all necessary measures that can be taken being implemented without fail."
To illustrate the scale of the security challenge during the festival, Alexander Sidorenko provided a few figures. The main venue, the Summer Amphitheatre, alone hosts two to three concerts daily, with each concert attracting over 6,000 spectators.
"Anything can happen. Therefore, we have double control, there are always metal detectors, our own security services, and accreditation conditions are strictly adhered to. It is precisely for security reasons that we have restricted the presence of journalists backstage in the last two years: there are always many mass scenes and large set pieces, and sometimes even artists cannot get to the stage due to the crowds," explained the festival director.
He noted that new technologies are constantly emerging globally, which could be exploited by malicious actors. "Therefore, we should not shy away from security measures. The main thing is that they truly protect us. I am against any overreach," added Alexander Sidorenko.
The XXVII International Arts Festival "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" will be held from July 12 to 16. Additional events are scheduled for July 7-11 and July 17-18.