People began flocking to the park area even before the celebration started. At the free event, star concerts took place on a huge stage, and entertainment zones for visitors of all ages were set up nearby: from a rodeo bull to a special area for family photoshoots. Those unable to come to the Family Gathering had the opportunity to watch it live online on the radio station “Lietus” website Lietus.fm.
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“Once again, we confirmed how powerful radio is – the central park of Kėdainiai was full of people. They didn’t hesitate to come from the capital, the seaside, other big cities, Mažeikiai, Pasvalys, Telšiai… On stage, naming cities and towns, we asked people to respond, and hands rose in the crowd, cheers echoed. Although it seemed cloudy in the morning, the sun came out by midday, and we only got rain in the evening, as the celebration was ending. But what kind of ‘Lietus’ event would it be without rain?” – the organizers rejoiced in the success of the Family Gathering.
The main action took place near the big stage. Concerts were held here by Donata Gutauskienė-Laisva, singer Simona Čėsnaitė, famous from the reality show “Road to the Stars,” the group “2. Karolis and Donatas,” and the concert marathon was powerfully concluded by Justinas Jarutis. Many performers who took the stage admitted that they had invited their relatives to Kėdainiai with them.
Later, a disco began. The event was entrusted to well-known and beloved radio station “Lietus” show hosts Marius Berenis, Vilija Dailydaite, Simona Čėsnaitė, and Aurimas Šeštokas.
During breaks between performances, Family Gathering visitors could spin the “Lietus” gift wheel and win valuable prizes not only from the radio station but also from sponsors.
Still, the longest line of people stretched not at the prizes or, as often happens, at the bars – most patiently queued at the impressive-sized šakotis table.
“Another highlight of the Family Gathering, to our surprise, was the opportunity to enjoy a free slice of a meter-high šakotis. At first, people took many photos with it, and later the longest line formed, which did not shorten for several hours. During the celebration, we offered visitors many free entertainments, but this was by far the most popular. Overall, the behavior of the event participants was very surprising – the vast majority were friendly, respectful to each other, kind-hearted, and although thousands gathered in one place, to our knowledge, no major incidents occurred,” – the Family Gathering organizers revealed.
They even flew in from abroad
“When we heard on the radio that such a celebration was being organized, we shared this news with family members, and the next day relatives had already bought plane tickets from Ireland to Lithuania. We have more opportunities to meet, but there are never too many,” – said the Bužaičiai family who came to the Family Gathering.
“Our family is scattered not only across Lithuania but also in the farthest corners of the world; gathering everyone in one place is practically impossible. However, we are glad that those of us living in Lithuania managed to come here today. The mood is wonderful. We are waiting for a few more relatives and then we will go dancing,” – assured the Jonaičiai family who came from the Klaipėda region to Kėdainiai park.
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Other park areas offered more entertainment for both young and old. In the children’s zone, there was a soap bubble machine, visitors could enjoy cotton candy, and participate in temporary tattoo workshops.
A special photo zone was set up in the event area, where families and relatives were invited to take pictures with professional event photographers. All photos will be available and downloadable on the website Lietus.fm or on the radio station’s social media accounts.
A beautiful radio initiative turned into a multi-thousand free event
The idea of the Family Gathering was born at the radio station “Lietus” back in 2020, when it was decided to take on the mission of initiating a nationwide gathering of all Lithuanian families once a year. At that time, listeners were invited on the last Friday of July to gather with their closest and dearest people and celebrate the Family Gathering. Proverbs say – you cannot choose your relatives, so nurturing family ties is essential – there must be a day when the whole family, often scattered around the world, comes together and embraces each other wholeheartedly.
Over five years, this beautiful initiative not only took root but also grew strong – every year the Family Gathering attracted more and more attention from “Lietus” listeners.
In 2025, the Family Gathering crossed the “walls” of the “Lietus” radio station broadcast – one Lithuanian family was gifted a personal concert by the group “Žemaitukai” on a stage built in their homestead yard. A draw decided that one of the country’s most popular groups would perform at the Judzinskai family gathering in Rūtelių village, Šilalė district. Judzinskai were one of nearly 2,000 families registered in a special contest held on the Lietus.fm website at that time.
The story of the Family Gathering turning into a family picnic: from a special playlist to “Žemaitukai” in Rūtelių village
It was clear that the Family Gathering had become a phenomenon and outgrown the broadcast format. Therefore, this year the celebration turned for the first time into the largest family picnic under the open sky – a free event in Kėdainiai city park.
