Klaipėda Sea Festival opens with cinema theme

The 67th Klaipėda Sea Festival kicked off on Friday, transforming Lithuania's port city into a giant film set for three days of cultural events. The festival officially began at noon with the flag-raising ceremony near Klaipėda Castle. This year's edition, themed "Like in the Movies," features film-inspired decorations, including oversized film reels, two-meter-tall director's chairs, and a movie-themed photo backdrop on Biržos Bridge. Friday evening's opening concert at the Cruise Ship Terminal includes Lithuanian performers Liepa Mondeikaitė, Atlanta, Lemon Joy, and DJ Jovani. Saturday's lineup features Lithuanian singer Evgenya Redko, British BRIT Award winner Emeli Sande, Adrina, and DJ Mamania. Teatro Square will host a variety of musical performances throughout the weekend: the Klaipeda Piano Masters program with pianists from 15 countries, the Shinkarenko Jazz 6 project alongside the Klaipėda Chamber Orchestra and Klaipėda Jazz Orchestra. Saturday also sees the seventh Sea Festival Piano Cup, an interactive event, followed by sets from Lithuanian artists Sasha Song and Beatrich, and Dutch band Roseye. Sunday's program features choirs, vocal ensembles, and folk musicians from senior citizens' organizations. Visitors can explore an exhibition of vintage cars and historic machinery at the foot of Klaipėda Castle's tower, an antiques market, and family entertainment. Near the Klaipėda Culture Factory, a children's concert takes place on Saturday afternoon, and the building's facade hosts two days of vertical dance performances titled "Swan Lake on the Wall." One of the festival's signature attractions, "Touch the Cinema," allows visitors to experience filmmaking firsthand with a mobile film set staffed by professionals. Participants can try roles such as actor, camera operator, or assistant director. The Klaipėda Sea Festival has been held since 1934; its inaugural event attracted over 60,000 visitors from across Lithuania.