The festival hosted a storming 25th edition in what is likely to be the last edition in Serbia following political pressure
EXIT Festival took place as scheduled and drew over 200,000 attendees to Petrovaradin Fortress, despite political tensions between festival organisers and the Serbian government.
And now, following the four-day festival, which saw sets from Tiësto, Solomun, Hot Since 82, Boris Brejcha, Indira Paganotto b2b Sara Landry and a high-energy performance by The Prodigy, festival organisers have released a powerful statement highlighting the festival’s fight against oppression.
“This year, we didn’t just defend EXIT’s freedom – we defended the right of the entire global music and cultural scene to speak freely. That’s why this year’s EXIT is of such importance. What happened over these four days at Petrovaradin Fortress proved the social impact that music and togetherness can have. Together with our fans, students, and both local and international performers, we held firm against state oppression. We showed that love still triumphs over fear and the power of solidarity. said Dušan Kovačević, founder of the EXIT Festival Group.
Founded in 2000 as a student-led initiative advocating for democratic reform, EXIT has grown into one of the most recognised music festivals in Europe and is credited with generating more than €300 million in tourism revenue for Serbia.
However, this year’s edition unfolded amid political pressure on the organisers following the festival’s public support of student-led protests sparked by a fatal infrastructure accident in Novi Sad.
The festival also featured a tribute to the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, including a performance by Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats. Geldof added, “Our music has always carried the message of freedom. We stand with the future, we stand with Serbia!”
Despite announcing 2025 is likely to be the final edition in Serbia, Exit organisers have vowed to continue the festival and will announce its next destination in due course.
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