Date to be confirmed
Abundant Futures: Kupala Festival
ArtHouse Jersey's Greve de Lecq Barracks Chemin du Catel JE3 3AA St Mary
Details
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. We recommend arriving at the Barracks for 2pm to experience the full festival journey.
Getting to ArtHouse Jersey’s Grève de Lecq Barracks:
By Bus: Take Liberty Bus number 9 departing from Liberation Station in St. Helier.
By Car: Free parking available in the car park at the National Trust for Jersey’s Seaside Café.
The Barracks is a short walk uphill via the marked path - if in doubt, please look out for our ArtHouse Jersey flag!
For more information visit
arthousejersey.je
and follow @arthousejersey for updates.
Abundant Futures is a long-term, socially engaged project commissioned by ArtHouse Jersey, led by Dana Olărescu. Sponsored by Spoor & Fisher Jersey.