Kupala Festival – Greve de Lecq 19 July 2-7pm

Step into summer with Kupala Festival, a joyful summer gathering inspired by ancient Slavic traditions and reimagined for Jersey today.

Celebrating the abundance of nature and the power of community ritual, Kupala invites you to make, move, listen, taste, and take part in a lively afternoon of music, craft, food, and fire – all nestled in the beautiful coastal setting of Grève de Lecq on Jersey’s north coast, and home to ArtHouse Jersey’s headquarters.

Curated by Ukrainian-born and London-based artist Olha Pryymak and Romanian-born and London-based Abundant Futures lead artist Dana Olărescu, the festival brings together artists and makers from Jersey and beyond, featuring workshops, performances, food, and a closing ceremony on the beach.

ArtHouse Jersey’s Grève de Lecq Barracks from 2-5pm

Get creative with a series of drop-in craft workshops for all ages, led by artists from Ukraine, Portugal, Ireland, and Jersey:

• Floral Crowns: join Olha Pryymak to make your very own midsummer crown using fresh flowers, herbs, and foraged greenery, symbolising love and celebration.
• Wish Dolls: join Anna Shipley to make a traditional Slavic wish doll using natural and recycled materials, for renewal, protection, and wishes for the future.
• Mavka Costume: join Margarida Lourenco to contribute to a large-scale natural costume inspired by the Mavka – a mythical forest spirit from Ukrainian folklore.
• The Green Rope: join William Bock in a communal gesture of connection to play a part in making a large twisted rope of foraged grasses.

Or simply wander and enjoy:

• Milk Songs: an immersive sound installation by dhaqan collective that reflects the intimate relationship of people, land and animals. (2-5pm, Studio 2)
• Poetry Writing Workshop: unearthing local ecology and migration stories through the Jersey Royal with Vi Murphy (2:15-3:15pm, Studio 1)
• Lullaby Choir: performing lullabies from around Jersey and Ukraine, sung in various languages (3-3:45pm, Parade Ground)
• Talks: from local voices and organisations like Cultivate on equitable cultures and sustainability (4:00-4:15pm and 4:30-4:45pm, Studio 1)
• Kupala Effigy: created by local willow artist Alcindo Pinto, known for his large-scale sculptures, the effigy will stand watch over the festival throughout (2-5pm, Parade Ground).

Cocorico Jersey will be in residence for the afternoon, serving authentic French delicacies such as crepes and galetes, made with traditional techniques and the finest ingredients. Food and refreshments are also available from The Ugly Oyster Seafood Bar until 7pm next to the Seaside Cafe, offering the freshest, sustainably sourced seafood and refreshments.

Grève de Lecq Beach from 5-7pm

As the sun lowers, follow the Kupala Effigy and carry the Green Rope in a procession from ArtHouse Jersey’s Grève de Lecq Barracks to the beach for the festival’s closing ceremony:

• Fire Lighting: a symbolic ritual to honour transformation and togetherness (5:15pm)
• Green Rope-Making: a communal gesture of connection requiring four participants at a time led by artist William Bock (5:15-6:45pm)
• Borscht: complimentary cup of warm Eastern European soup from 2 Tasty served by the fire (from 5:30pm)
• Celebration: keep an eye out for the Mavka costume as it comes to life, and perhaps you might like to follow them in a joyful beach dance to close the day (5:45–6:45pm)

No need to book – just bring your curiosity, creativity, and a picnic blanket. Recommendation to arrive at the Barracks for 2pm to experience the full festival journey.