The Exit Festival, one of Europe's most renowned music festivals, has announced it will no longer be held in Serbia following claims of "undemocratic pressures" from the government. Scheduled for its 25th anniversary from July 10-13, the festival's organizers indicate that their backing of student-led anti-corruption protests has led to significant funding cuts.
As festival organizers voiced their concerns, the Serbian authorities refuted allegations of coercion, attributing their inability to financially support the festival to broader financial issues. This year, Exit, located at the historic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, had previously attracted 200,000 guests, reflecting its status as a significant event in the region.
The festival, which has strong roots in Serbia's pro-democracy movement, has famously fostered activist themes over the years, addressing crucial issues such as human trafficking and LGBTQ rights. In response to tragic events at a local railway station last November that resulted in the deaths of 16 people, students initiated protests that Exit supported by providing resources and moral backing.
Founder Dusan Kovacevic lamented the hefty cost to festival operations but asserted, "freedom has no price." He urged the public to remember Exit for its contributions to unity and love rather than its abrupt end. The future of the festival's location remains uncertain, with no definitive plans disclosed for a potential relocation.
Having hosted notable acts such as The White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys, Exit Festival has made a lasting impact on Serbia's cultural scene, presenting the country as an appealing destination for international visitors and spotlighting its vibrant music industry. Local stakeholders stress the importance of the festival in elevating Serbia’s cultural image, fostering a creative environment that spurred additional local festivals and events.
As festival organizers voiced their concerns, the Serbian authorities refuted allegations of coercion, attributing their inability to financially support the festival to broader financial issues. This year, Exit, located at the historic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, had previously attracted 200,000 guests, reflecting its status as a significant event in the region.
The festival, which has strong roots in Serbia's pro-democracy movement, has famously fostered activist themes over the years, addressing crucial issues such as human trafficking and LGBTQ rights. In response to tragic events at a local railway station last November that resulted in the deaths of 16 people, students initiated protests that Exit supported by providing resources and moral backing.
Founder Dusan Kovacevic lamented the hefty cost to festival operations but asserted, "freedom has no price." He urged the public to remember Exit for its contributions to unity and love rather than its abrupt end. The future of the festival's location remains uncertain, with no definitive plans disclosed for a potential relocation.
Having hosted notable acts such as The White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys, Exit Festival has made a lasting impact on Serbia's cultural scene, presenting the country as an appealing destination for international visitors and spotlighting its vibrant music industry. Local stakeholders stress the importance of the festival in elevating Serbia’s cultural image, fostering a creative environment that spurred additional local festivals and events.
