"This has been our long-standing dream": Zlata Kolotvina on the first VK Fest in Nizhny Novgorod and grand plans

      The large VK Fest (0+) festival will take place in Nizhny Novgorod for the first time this summer. The residents of the sunset capital are already looking forward to it. While not all details have been revealed, the names of some artists and star guests are being kept secret. However, the program will definitely be rich, and on July 11, Strelka will turn into one huge dance floor.

      The correspondent of IA "In the City N" spoke with the executive director of the festival, Zlata Kolotvina, to find out how the organizers plan to surprise the Nizhny Novgorod residents, what activities are planned, and how the headliner lists are formed.

      VK Fest is a fairly large-scale event that has only been held in St. Petersburg and Moscow on a permanent basis until 2026. It has also been in Vladivostok, Novosibirsk, Chelyabinsk, Krasnoyarsk, Kazan, and Sochi. Now it has reached Nizhny Novgorod. Please tell us why the choice fell on the "capital of sunsets"? Were any other cities considered?

      Bringing VK Fest to Nizhny Novgorod has been our long-standing dream. I am in love with your city: the architecture, history, nature, sunsets – all of it is mesmerizing. I also like the audience: cool, modern youth who love music and know how to have fun.

      Since 2022, VK Fest has been traveling across the country. We have already been to Vladivostok, Ufa, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Sochi, Kazan, and Chelyabinsk. Each time we look at the audience's response and read comments on where we are most awaited. Everything came together in such a way that we unanimously decided: we are coming to you.

      Why Strelka specifically? What criteria were used to choose the venue? Were there other options?

      Nizhny Novgorod has dozens of great locations that captivate at first sight. But Strelka is the perfect venue for VK Fest. It is a landmark place for the city, beautiful, spacious, and conveniently located. But most importantly, it meets all our requirements. To hold an event of this scale, you need a space where the audience, stages, and entertainment areas can comfortably fit.

      In addition to music, the festival will feature dozens of family-friendly activities: workshops, children's zones, locations for sports activities, autograph sessions, etc. Space is also required for their placement. Therefore, we decided that in Nizhny Novgorod, it would be Strelka.

      What are your overall expectations for the festival in Nizhny Novgorod? How many guests would you like to see?

      The main expectation is the atmosphere. I believe that the residents of Nizhny Novgorod will greet us with special warmth. Look at this great lineup: Uma2rman, Klava Koka, Dora, "Sirotkin," Olga Buzova, and others — special guest Zoloto will perform together with Uma2rman; it will be an interesting collaboration!

      We know that VK Fest is not just a city event, but a real tourist magnet: on average, about 50% of guests come from other cities across different regions. For Nizhny, which is incredibly beautiful and attractive in itself, this is a chance to attract even more guests from all over the country.

      What activities can Nizhny Novgorod residents expect at VK Fest? How do you plan to surprise the guests?

      The VK Fest program is always rich and interesting. Together with our program participants, we are preparing a variety of activities, workshops, children's locations, autograph sessions, lectures, and several dozen entertainment options for the whole family.

      How will our festival differ from the Kazan or, for example, St. Petersburg festivals?

      The concept of VK Fest remains unchanged in all cities – it is a festival with its own atmosphere, where music, bloggers, entertainment, technology, sports, creativity, and gastronomy intertwine. But the feelings are always absolutely different. This is related to the characteristics of the cities. It is the local businesses, organizations, sports clubs, and creative associations that set the tone for each city festival. For example, in Kazan, we created a separate Tatar stage: we realized that it is incredibly important for the local audience to hear their native language and familiar melodies alongside big stars. And we allocated a full space for this. Local artists, local color. It was amazing! In St. Petersburg, there is its own story, with more emphasis on the atmosphere of the cultural capital, museums, and local gastro-brands.

      What criteria are used to select the artists who will perform at VK Fest? What do the organizers primarily rely on when forming the headliner list?

      When choosing artists, we focus on the wishes of the audience and the leaders of VK Music charts. In addition to big stars, we spot new talents and give young musicians the opportunity to showcase their creativity.

      So far, only eight performers are known to be coming to Nizhny Novgorod for the festival: Klava Koka, Dora, "Room of Culture," "Sirotkin," NANSI & SIDOROV, Uma2rman, Zoloto, and Saluki. And we know that this is not the final list. Perhaps you could reveal a couple more names to us? In secret.

      Olga Buzova will also be coming. She has a very strong fan club in your city, and we couldn't miss the opportunity to invite her to Strelka. Soon we will announce another big and cool artist – you will be surprised!

      Very soon we will also announce the names of the lecture speakers. I assure you, these are also interesting experts from various fields that you definitely know.

      Is the timing of the festival already known? What time will it start and how long will it last?

      We plan to start the festival at 2:00 PM. And we will finish after we fully enjoy your incredible sunsets.

      How will the safety of people at the event be organized? Will there be checkpoints, security, and inspections?

      Safety is our absolute priority. Every VK Fest adheres to all safety standards for mass events. We have checkpoints, metal detectors, and thorough inspections of personal belongings. People in a state of alcohol intoxication will not be allowed into the festival, and bringing alcohol with you is definitely not permitted. We work closely with the city administration, and the measures taken for large events are comprehensive.

      We hope that the weather will be favorable for the festival on July 11. However, it may happen that conditions (rain, strong winds, and other delights) may worsen a few days or even hours before the festival. What do you plan to do in such a case?

      We are experienced and take the changeable mood of the sky philosophically. VK Fest is an open-air event, and we hold it in any weather. Even if forecasters promise rain, the festival will not be canceled or postponed – the program goes as scheduled.

      First of all, we always warn guests in advance: wear comfortable waterproof shoes and bring umbrellas – this is clearly stated in the official rules. We provide raincoats for guests, and most locations are equipped with canopies. Secondly, some venues, such as the lecture area, are always covered, so you can hide from the rain there. At the food court, you will always find hot drinks to warm up.

      See you in Nizhny!

      Author: Maria Stroyanova