UKRAINE COLUMN

By Natalya Krasnenkova

On Sunday morning, a small van arrived at the Innisfallen car park and in it was very valuable cargo, which Ukrainians were looking forward to!

SINGING: Tetiana Neliepova pictured singing 'One Viburnum Outside the Window' at the Festival in a Van concert in the Innisfallen Hotel on Sunday.

MUSIC SESSION: James Moore on vocals and guitar Deirdre Johnson on vocals and guitar and Damian Greer playing percussion.

After a few minutes the doors of the van opened, and we saw an absolutely fantastic picture - a stage for live music performances.

The concert began and included Irish musicians James Moore on vocals and guitar, Deirdre Johnson on vocals and guitar, Damian Greer drums/percussion and Vairis Burcaks keyboard/synthesizer which gave the audience such positive emotions especially those who are still experiencing many fears and anxieties about the war.

"Music unites, it carries history and emotions in different languages, and when there are types of Irish music sessions, worries are left behind for a while when music prevails," organiser, Gemma Tipton, said.

Then Ukrainians took to the stage. The traditional 'One Viburnum Outside the Window' was performed by Olena Basko, guitar by Yevhenia Omelchenko and vocals by Tetiana Neliepova supported by Irish musicians.
Singing together brings a lot of surprises and laughter but everyone was ready to improvise and support with one round of applause.

Festival in a Van started in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Arts Officer with Kerry County Council, Kate Kennelly, found funding, and the festival was able to take place that day in Innisfallen.

“Initially, I organised a Festival in a Van to help theatre masters and artists work during COVID. I want to find a safe way to continue live performances, as well as give hope and enjoyment to people who are isolated from the pandemic,” Gemma added.

Since then, Festival in a Van has toured schools, nursing homes, town centres, city squares, remote places - where art does not always reach.

"Like so many people all over the world, I’m shocked, saddened, upset and angry at the Russian attacks on Ukraine, and while I know there’s not much I can do to help at a political level, Festival in a Van is an obvious way of bringing the arts to where you are currently staying,” she added.