The Exit festival's 25th and final edition in Serbia will take place from July 10 to 13, amidst allegations of state-sponsored suppression linked to their support for student protests.
**Exit Festival Cancels Serbian Edition Amidst Political Tensions**
**Exit Festival Cancels Serbian Edition Amidst Political Tensions**
Major European music festival cites government pressure and funding cuts as reasons for exit from Serbia.
One of Europe’s premier music festivals, Exit, has announced it will no longer host events in Serbia after 25 successful years, citing “undemocratic pressures” from the government. The festival, known for attracting over 200,000 attendees annually, is set to hold its last edition in the country from July 10 to 13.
Organisers attribute this decision to a recent withdrawal of government funding and the pressure exerted on sponsors to disassociate from the festival due to its backing of student-led anti-corruption demonstrations. In recent months, students have reignited protests following the tragic incident at Novi Sad’s railway station, which resulted in 16 fatalities after a roof collapse. The festival has actively supported these protests, providing logistical assistance and amplifying their messages online.
Serbian officials, however, have dismissed claims of political interference, explaining that budget constraints have limited their ability to support cultural events. Despite this, Exit's founder Dusan Kovacevic condemned the situation, advocating for cultural freedom and expressing hope that the festival’s legacy would be remembered for its unity and message of love and freedom.
Having roots in the pro-democracy movement of the late 1990s against the regime of Slobodan Milosevic, Exit Festival has established itself as a platform for various social and cultural themes yearly, advocating issues ranging from human trafficking to LGBTQ+ rights.
As the festival prepares for its final run, questions loom over its future venue and whether it will attempt to relocate elsewhere. Previous acts have ranged from The White Stripes to The Prodigy, highlighting the festival's prominent role in elevating Serbia's creative music scene on an international scale. Industry insiders note the significant influence the festival has had in reshaping perceptions of Serbia, drawing global audiences to experience the country’s evolving cultural landscape.
