The rock festival Invasion, initially planned for August 4–6 in the Kaluga region, has been postponed to 2024, announced by regional governor Vladislav Shapsha. The decision has sparked local debate about the festival’s impact on the community.
On one hand, Shapsha noted, the event represents the country’s premier music gathering. On the other hand, during discussions, residentsrightly voiced concerns that the timing did not allow for a proper and inclusive discussion about the festival’s footprint.
Shapsha wrote on his Telegram channel that in a recent working group meeting he instructed staff to prepare a detailed report assessing the festival’s readiness, incorporating residents’ opinions and potential alternatives.
Festival organizers, who had already announced via social media that Invasion would not take place this year citing security considerations, expressed how tough the decision is. They acknowledged both emotional and financial strain and highlighted the extensive work invested in planning, location scouting, and negotiations. The organizers emphasized that safety must come first, even when that means compromising their own plans.
Beyond shifting the dates, the venue is also changing. The festival was initially planned for a site near the village of Mityaevo in the Borovsky district, but for 2024 the plan is to move nearer to Aristovo, within the same district.
More than a hundred bands were slated to perform this year, including Chaif, Alisa, Aria, Lumen, Chizh & Co, 25/17 and Zhuki. About a week earlier, media reports suggested potential postponement due to objections from residents of a local horticultural association who desired the festival to be held elsewhere, though organizers later denied that claim.
A series of cancellations
The Invasion festival last took place in July 2019 in the Tver region. In 2020, a ban related to the coronavirus pandemic prevented the event from occurring, with organizers citing that it was not possible to ensure absolute epidemiological safety for such a large gathering. In late 2020 and again in 2021, organizers postponed the festival to 2021 and then to 2022, in line with public health assessments by the regional authorities. In 2022, the event was postponed to the summer of 2023 without a clear explanation.
The last Invasion
The 2019 edition returned to its traditional site near Bolshoi Zavidovo in the Tver region’s Konakovo area. Some musicians who could not perform publicly in Russia at that time participated on stage, with several artists openly criticizing the political situation or the military actions in Ukraine. Notable acts included leaders from Aquarium, DDT, Mumiy Troll, Bi-2, Tequilajazzz, Nogu Svelo!, and Nervy. The festival’s partner that year was a state institution, Roscosmos, featuring a space-themed pavilion where attendees could watch a live rocket launch and interact with astronauts on the ISS.
Tanks at the festival
In 2013 the Ministry of Defense joined as a partner, and organizers showcased a tank on site. The event also sold patriotic-themed apparel and offered a recruitment desk for contract service. The following year, amid the Donbass crisis, some bands commented on their stance regarding the partnership with the defense ministry. Shevchuk remarked that his band would continue to sing for peace, while Grebenshchikov called the collaboration an unusual mix. In 2014 Andrey Makarevich faced scrutiny after being labeled a foreign agent and declined to participate along with other groups. Several other artists reportedly chose not to perform in subsequent years due to political or installment considerations.
By 2018 organizers told RBC they were surprised at the declining attendance of musicians who cited cooperation with the Ministry of Defense. For them, Invasion is not merely a musical festival but a multi-format event. The CEO of a leading media group explained that the affair also encompasses educational, sports, and cultural projects. She stated that the military showcase has been among the festival’s highlights over the past five years, emphasizing that the army is a venue where there are many creative people alongside its weapons. She noted performances by the Alexandrov Ensemble in a classical rock style and the anticipated appearances of the Russian Knights aerobatic team as signature moments of the event.