The organizers of one of the largest and most famous music festivals in the former Yugoslavia, Novi Sad's Exit, announce that this year's edition, which will be held from July 10th to 13th, will be the last, due to "financial and other pressures" that arose after they publicly supported student protests in Serbia.
"25 years ago, Exit was founded as a student movement for peace and freedom in Serbia and the Balkans. Since its inception, it has grown into not only one of the world's leading festivals, but also a global symbol of unity, tolerance and the strength of youth. Through music, creativity and activism, we have connected generations and peoples, restored broken ties and built bridges where many had destroyed them. We have brought the most prestigious European festival awards to our country and region, as well as hundreds of millions of euros in tourist inflow with promotion whose value is categorized by world experts as priceless," Exit said in a statement.
"However, since the moment we publicly stood with the students and their fight for a free and just society in Serbia last year, we have been exposed to enormous financial and other pressures, with the aim of revoking our right to freedom of thought and speech. Although we have been completely denied public co-financing at all levels of government, without which it is not possible to realize a festival of the size and reputation of Exit in the long term within the limited Serbian economic framework, we do not agree to be silenced," the organizers add.
"We believe that freedom has no price, and therefore, this year's anniversary edition of the festival will be the last to take place in Serbia, where freedom of speech is stifled. Although we know that we are welcome in many parts of the world, we owe our audience one last dance at the Petrovaradin Fortress, which is why our entire team is more determined than ever to make this year's edition the most emotional and unforgettable yet," the statement said.
"It will take place from July 10th to 13th in Novi Sad, when we will celebrate 25 years of togetherness together with students. Exit is not just a festival, Exit is all of us who believe that we can do better. And just as we lit the spark of change together a quarter of a century ago, today we once again defend the right to live freely. If this is the last Exit at the Fortress, let it be unforgettable. Let it be our strongest so far. A festival that is remembered not for its ending, but for its unity. For love. For freedom!" is the message of the organizers of this music festival.
During the three days of the festival, the Sex Pistols, Sara Landry, Prodigy, Tiesto, Nina Kravitz, Amelie Lens, Erik Pritz, DJ Snake, Lorin and many other artists will perform at the Petrovaradin Fortress.
Bonus video:
