Festival “Invasion”
At least 80 artists and musical groups perform at the Invasion every year. A trip to the “Invasion” for most guests is an occasion to meet old friends, meet new people, get out of the city for a few days. But first of all, it’s still music. Several stages work at the festival at once: it is simply impossible to fit all the artists on one.
“Invasion” is never limited to a concert program. The plan always includes holding sports competitions in beach volleyball and football, every evening – film screenings of films released in the past year. There will also be a lecture hall. Throughout the festival, you can take any book to read in the library tent, and on the last day they are generally given away to visitors. There are also quizzes about the history of rock, board game tournaments and master classes for children.
“I survived the Invasion” – everyone who has ever been to this grand music rock festival likes to repeat this phrase. In fact, there is nothing terrible here, but rather the opposite.
Every year the festival is gaining momentum, the organization is getting better.
My husband and I went for all days, but without spending the night. We live 40 minutes drive from the festival, therefore, we decided that spending the night at home + morning shower will restore strength faster and better. After all, they are very necessary on the Invasion.
The festival gives a lot of emotions and takes a lot of energy!
We traveled by car, we never got stuck in traffic jams, but after closing they were considerable. The people were in a hurry, because on Monday many people had to work. There were no queues to enter the car park. Cars were also checked. The Leningrad group closed the festival 2018. Of course, it was a show, Cord worked to the maximum. No wonder he is one of the highest paid artists today. So many people gathered for it, the apple had nowhere to fall, this is the only negative. I wanted to dance, but everyone was so tight that it was problematic.
Fireworks began on the last song of Leningrad.
Meals at the festival for every taste – from shavarma and barbecue to porridge and pilaf.
This is the largest rock festival in the country, where artists who have already become legends perform. There are fewer of them every year, unfortunately. Many leave, groups break up. In the meantime, there are those whose names have already entered the history of Russian rock and we have the opportunity to enjoy their performance live. These moments should not be missed, I think.
If you like rock, fun, dancing, a little trash and outdoor recreation – the festival is for you. The main thing is to prepare a little and not to forget a good mood with you.
Invasion is a lot of rock, high-quality sound, fresh air and its own special atmosphere of celebration, carelessness and fun.
The date of the event is July 29-31, 2022. Venue – Moscow region, the city of Serpukhov.
Festival “Wild Mint”
“Wild Mint” is an independent multi-format open-air. On its stages, the main performers of Russia and the CIS, world stars and musicians gaining popularity perform. The festival is considered one of the most comfortable in the country – on the territory of “Wild Mint” there are sports grounds, a lecture hall, a cinema, a fair; organized a rich children’s program.
The most sincere Russian festival according to eyewitnesses.
Regarding accommodation, camping is a must-buy. There are three campsites at the festival, the differences are only in the noise level on the territory:
- family – a zone of silence, as far as possible from the main scenes (but there is a children’s scene nearby);
- cheerful – fun zone, you can make noise;
- music lover – located between two stages, for the most desperate music lovers.
Well, for travel expenses. The festival is held near Tula and you still need to get to the venue. Not easy to get to and not very cheap. Although, there are many options for additional trains, there are buses and minibuses. I recommend driving if possible. If this is not available, you can try to agree in advance with other festival-goers and share the cost of gasoline.
Many people who have not been to such events have the opinion that the festival is a gathering of outcasts generously seasoned with alcohol and substances. This perception is very unpleasant for me, as it is an absolute stereotype. I cannot but say that there is no alcohol and other things. There is, as in any other get-togethers of adults. But, objectively, all of the above is absolutely superfluous. The festival atmosphere plunges into a state of absolute happiness and joy. All problems and life difficulties are forgotten, only music, fun and the same joyful people around remain.
What contributes to such peace of mind? The first is music. Wild Mint bills itself as an independent and non-commercial music festival. But, not always, not all music, there is such a plan. Last year, not everyone approved the appearance of Basta, in the 2020 lineup they were unhappy with the appearance of the IOWA group. I think that the organizers are to some extent obliged to invite stars of the level of Basta, just to attract an audience. Still, it is important to achieve at least a minimum payback in order for the festival to continue to exist. And less well-known, but worthwhile performers are much more. If divided by genre, there is much more ethnic and rock music. A lot of unusual, even experimental music. Definitely, the lineup of the festival is designed to expand the musical horizons.
There are three stages at the festival, the main stage of Sirena, Tinana and an indoor stage with an alcohol bar inside (at the entrance they immediately ask for a passport). The design of the scenes, in general, is nothing unusual, but it should be noted that the sound is good.
Of course, in addition to music, there is also a lecture hall, sports zones, and many entertainment zones from partners. A very large entertainment area for children and there is even a whole children’s scene.
Regarding the amenities at the festival. There is hot water at the festival, but it is served by the hour. It is better to know the time in advance in order to catch both the shower and boiling water. There are several showers, there are no special problems in order to catch hot water. In the showers, by the way, there are even shampoos and shower gels from the festival partner. Of course there are bio toilets. Yes, festival life is a harsh thing, I warned you. There were no problems with charging phones and gadgets either, there were sockets in covered areas, in the information center and on poles that illuminated the territory. By the way, a separate respect for the lighting, to look for your tent in the dark among hundreds of others, believe me, is not easy. Another plus is the mother-and-child room, there are a lot of children on Dikaya, some parents even take their little ones with them.
Why did Mint sink into my soul so much? For the atmosphere. What creates an atmosphere? Music, scenery around, unusual people around and spontaneity. It is in every festival. A lot of delicacy, a lot of interaction and care of the organizers and visitors. After the festival, which was held in really difficult conditions, there were very few negative reviews. And the organizers responded to all of them, apologized and accepted criticism.
And there is a unique place on the territory – a campfire on which I spent almost the whole night of the penultimate festival day. In fact, nothing special happened – just songs under the fire. But, indeed, many talented people gather at the campfire and sing so inspiredly that you miss the performances of eminent musicians.
I definitely recommend this festival. For sincerity, care of the organizers, good music. For interesting and talented people. But, I must once again note this kind of events are not for everyone. Sometimes you need to be able to find the strength to hang out in spite of the weather and discomfort. Not for everyone, it comes easily and not for everyone.
Date of the event – June 17-19, 2022. Venue – Tula region, Bunyrevo village.
