Thousands more were glued to TV screens to watch the launch of the multi-day marathon of song, dance, theatre, film and friendly communication. How time flies! A year ago, the 20th Jubilee International Arts Festival took place. Now, like the special express train from Minsk to Vitebsk, launched by Belarusian Railways for the forum, the 21st Vitebsk festival has arrived.
The President of Belarus opened the event, as is traditional. Performers new and old have gathered, including Russian singer Lev Leshchenko who, this year, gained a star on Victors’ Avenue, on July 12th. That evening, Mr. Lukashenko presented him with the ‘Through Art — to Peace and Understanding’ award. In addition, Belarusian artist Georgy Poplavsky and Russian poet Gleb Gorbovsky were awarded Union State prizes in the fields of literature and art.
