Businessman Zaytsev cuts ties with “Solstice” festival
Businessman Alexander Zaytsev has made a significant decision regarding the “Solstice” festival in Pruzhany. He has officially transferred ownership of the festival’s trademark to a company of the same name, according to reports from the publication “Belarusians and Market.”
The National Intellectual Property Center confirmed that in January 2026, Zaytsev re-registered the “Solstice” trademark from himself personally to a company he established in 2024. This company successfully organized two notable events in Pruzhany, including a rock festival that featured popular Russian bands like Vyacheslav Butusov, “Aria,” “Chaif,” “Alisa,” and “Krematoriy.” It is worth noting that most of these bands have been vocal supporters of the conflict in Ukraine.
Despite the festival’s initial success, there seems to be uncertainty surrounding its future. The organizers recently announced the cancellation of the 2026 event, citing their exclusion from the Register of Organizers of Cultural and Entertainment Events. This exclusion prohibits them from hiring foreign performers, particularly those from Russia.
The decision to transfer the trademark ownership raises questions about the festival’s direction and future activities. With the recent controversy surrounding the festival’s lineup and the limitations imposed by the government, it remains unclear if the “Solstice” festival will continue in the same capacity or undergo significant changes in the future.
Zaytsev’s move to distance himself from the festival by re-registering the trademark underscores a shift in his involvement and the direction of the event. The decision to hand over ownership to a separate entity indicates a desire to separate personal associations from the festival’s operations and management.
As discussions and speculations continue regarding the fate of the “Solstice” festival, it is evident that the event’s future hangs in the balance. The exclusion from the list of approved event organizers presents a significant challenge for the company and raises concerns about the feasibility of hosting future festivals with international performers.
In conclusion, Alexander Zaytsev’s decision to relinquish ownership of the “Solstice” festival trademark marks a significant development in the event’s history. The transfer of the trademark to a separate company reflects a shift in responsibilities and management, signaling a potentially new chapter for the festival. However, the uncertainties surrounding the event’s future and the challenges it faces in light of recent developments highlight the complex landscape of organizing cultural and entertainment events in the current environment.