Vitebsk to introduce special entry points for families, elderly at Slavianski Bazaar venues

“During the 35th International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, police officers will serve under an enhanced security regime. As is customary, they will be assisted by colleagues from other regions of the country, including OMON officers, traffic police and servicemen of the internal troops. Security has always been a top priority in the preparation and organization of the festival. A comprehensive reconnaissance exercise was conducted in advance, during which various scenarios were simulated. Personnel and resources have been allocated, and briefing sessions have been held, including with the participation of the interior minister. The personnel of the internal affairs bodies are fully prepared. We have sufficient forces and resources to ensure public order and safety throughout festive Vitebsk,” said Chief of the Vitebsk Oblast Police Department Maksim Subbota.

He added that all accommodation facilities hosting festival participants and guests would be placed under round-the-clock security.

The festival will take place at 28 venues, each of which will be under close police supervision. Maksim Subbota said that security screening, including personal and baggage checks, would be conducted at all venues. “Separate entry checkpoints, marked by orange-domed tents, will be available for elderly visitors, people with disabilities and families with young children,” he noted.

At the largest concert venues, which accommodate several thousand spectators, efforts will be made to ensure the fastest possible admission process. The Summer Amphitheater will have four security checkpoints on the surrounding streets and 34 screening points around the venue itself. The Vitebsk Central Sports Complex will be equipped with a security checkpoint and 12 screening points to help distribute visitor flows more evenly.” We ask everyone to treat these security measures with understanding, plan their routes in advance and arrive at festival venues early,” Maksim Subbota stressed.

He also reminded visitors that certain items are prohibited at concert venues, including explosives, toxic substances, alcohol, sharp objects and food. Visitors may bring drinking water, preferably in sealed plastic bottles of up to 0.5 liters. Larger containers will not be allowed. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs will also be denied entry to the venues.

“We use modern technological solutions to ensure public order. Both anti-drone systems and unmanned aerial vehicles will be deployed. They will be used to record offenses on video and enable a prompt response if anyone requires assistance. In addition, we will make use of the capabilities of the national public safety monitoring system. Road safety has traditionally been one of our key priorities during the festival. We expect a large influx of vehicles and visitors. Eighty traffic light intersections will operate around the clock. We will also deploy traffic controllers who will help improve traffic flow if congestion occurs. Every year, the festival attracts a significant number of foreign guests. Officers from the citizenship and migration units will provide round-the-clock assistance via a dedicated hotline,” Maksim Subbota said.

He noted that the traditional nationwide campaign ‘For Safety -Together!’ will once again be held during the festival. “The project has been attracting the attention of Vitebsk residents and visitors for many years. In 2026, demonstration performances will take place on 16 July, the opening day of the festival. The campaign will conclude on 19 July with a gala concert featuring Belarusian pop stars, Ministry of Internal Affairs artistic groups and solo performers. Visitors to our themed venues will also have a chance to win the grand prize – a bicycle. The prize drawing will take place at Victory Square during the campaign’s closing event,” Maksim Subbota said.