The Exit Festival, one of Europe’s largest music events, has announced it will hold its last edition in Serbia in July, citing "undemocratic pressures" as the primary reason for its departure. The organizers revealed that they faced a significant loss of governmental funding and sponsor support—an issue they attribute to the festival's backing of student-led protests fighting against corruption.
The festival’s support for these protests intensified following a tragic accident at the Novi Sad railway station last November, which resulted in multiple fatalities. In response, students mobilized to voice their concerns, and the festival, historically rooted in a pro-democracy movement that once helped topple Slobodan Milosevic, joined the cause. Exit's initiatives included logistical support for the protests, contributing resources like food and sleeping bags, and promoting messages of solidarity on various platforms.
Founder Dusan Kovacevic lamented the financial repercussions stemming from this principled stance but emphasized that “freedom has no price.” According to him, it’s crucial to remember Exit not just for its conclusion, but for the unity and love it fostered in its 25-year journey in Serbia.
Established at the iconic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, the festival drew an audience of over 200,000 attendees in recent years, featuring notable performances from artists like The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, and The Cure. Music industry experts believe the Exit Festival has significantly positively influenced Serbia’s cultural scene, drawing international attention and inspiring the growth of various events and festivals across the country.
As the festival prepares for its final celebration, the impact of its legacy will continue to resonate, especially amid a challenging political landscape and a call for change within society. It remains to be seen whether the Exit Festival will seek a new home in a different country, but its contributions to cultural dialogue and activism in Serbia will never be forgotten.
