Atlas United: Ukraine music festival back despite war

“It gives us a shelter which can fit more than 100,000 people,” says Vlad.

“There will be more than enough space to get everyone evacuated quickly — and we’re talking minutes.”

Vlad says it can be challenging to convince people – who are so used to hearing air-raid sirens – to head for a shelter when the alarm is raised.

But he says there’s a plan for that too – take the festival underground.

If the crowd does have to flee to safety Vlad says there’s “an entire stage” and a bar so the music can continue.

One thing that will be missing this year is international headliners.

Vlad says they were approached but most turned it down over safety concerns.

He says he understands the decision, but “seeing musicians playing in Russia right now really ticks me off”.

“That can be frustrating,” he says.

“But if people honestly gave it a thought and decided that’s not for them because they’re scared for their life, that’s fair.”

It does mean that more homegrown acts will get a chance to take some of the top slots on the bill.