Ukrainian band Skryabin headlines Holstebro independence festival

About 500 people gathered in Holstebro to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day with Ukrainian music, folk dancing and singing, DR reported. The festivities ended with a concert by the Ukrainian band Skryabin at the Lystanlægget grounds.

The event created what organisers described as an atmosphere resembling Denmark’s Roskilde Festival, but took place against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.

“It means a great deal to me. We sing our songs and dance our dances. I am actually a little moved,” said Tina Shurma, who is from Ukraine and has lived in Denmark for four years.

The celebration was organised by Ukraine Rocks in cooperation with Ukraine Centret and Kulturperlen in Holstebro. The organisers said the event was intended to support Ukrainians, demonstrate friendship between Danes and Ukrainians, and showcase Ukrainian music.

Thomas Poulsen of Ukraine Rocks said securing Skryabin for the event was a major achievement. The band has been active since the late 1980s and, according to the organisers, has played thousands of concerts and accumulated millions of streams.

“They are a huge name. They are as big as Gasolin’ or Shu-bi-dua have been here in Denmark,” Poulsen said.

Some attendees came primarily to show solidarity with Ukraine. Bo Paarup-Laursen said he supported the country with supplies and money, including weapons.

“Everything we do as ‘good deeds’ is ultimately to our own benefit,” he said.

Ukraine Rocks has organised up to 50 benefit concerts in Denmark and Ukraine since 2022. Poulsen said he hoped festivals like the one in Holstebro would build bridges between Danes and Ukrainians through shared joy, hope, friendship and music.