Rock-cola festival banned in Polatsk

Two days after the last sounds of “Rock-cola 2007,” on 30 October 2007, the Council of law enforcement bodies actions coordination of Polatsk municipal executive committee resolved to suspend the festival in Polatsk. Thus, the 17-year history of the rock-festival in Polatsk is over.

It is stated in the protocol of the session: “The organization of the festival of Belarusian music “Rock-cola” held 26-27 October 2007 was inappropriate… This kind of events should not be held in the city as they contradict historical and spiritual heritage of Polatsk and Orthodoxy. Authorities responsible for spiritual upbringing of the youth must be recommended to refrain from initiating such events,” Navapolatsk newspaper Himik.info reports.

It was the fifth time that Polatsk has hosted the festival “Rock-cola.” Previously, the musical feast used to be held in Navapolatsk. Traditionally young rock-bands made their first steps at the stage of the festival. Moreover, a wide range of foreign bands was normally invited to the festival which made the festival “Rock-cola” international.

Director of the festival Siargey Anischanka commented on the resolution of the Polatsk authorities:

“Polatsk is the cradle of the Belarusian Orthodoxy and spirituality. However, I believe banning festivals is not the best way to foster religious feelings with the youth. The history of Polatsk started 862 years after Jesus’ birth, but today, in the 3rd millennium the rock movement became a part of the city’s history – new but real history. Thus, they should prohibit discos, football matches and many other things. “Rock-cola” was the only festival controlled by the authorities. Now rock’n’roll is again likely to move to the underground, where it all began. The organization committee of the festival suspends its activity in Polatsk. It will continue its work, but probably abroad. Even now we receive offers, first of all from Russia, to hold the festival there. Perhaps, “Rock-cola” will become another Belarusian festival held abroad. Moreover, all fans of “Rock-cola” and the musicians who will never play at the festival in Polatsk would like to “thank” those who painted the city on October 26-27. You put an end to the 17-year history of “Rock-cola” in Polatsk.”