EXIT Festival release statement following successful 25th anniversary
Festival organisers have released a powerful statement in the wake of the festival’s final Serbia edition
Despite significant political pressure and uncertainty leading up to the event, the 25th edition of EXIT Festival took place as scheduled and drew over 200,000 attendees to Petrovaradin Fortress. The four-day music festival featured performances by international artists across a wide musical spectrum.
Highlights included sets from Tiësto, who made his debut, Solomun, Hot Since 82, Boris Brejcha, Indira Paganotto b2b Sara Landry and a high-energy performance by The Prodigy, who noted their long-standing connection to the Serbian audience. The re-formed Sex Pistols, with Frank Carter on vocals, drew one of the largest crowds to the Main Stage
Memorable scenes unfolded on the opening night when all stages paused for a 16-minute silence to honour the 16 victims of the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse. Later, students addressed the crowd from the main stage, “They can’t take our freedom! Pour your love, truth, and light into the world, because the world will hear you!”
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 heightened tensions following the festival’s public support of student-led protests sparked by a fatal infrastructure accident in Novi Sad. Organisers also reported increased political pressure from the Serbian government in the lead-up to the event.
Festival founder Dušan Kovačević says, “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."
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!”
EXIT 2025 stands as a milestone in the festival’s history in terms of artistic achievement and also its continued role in the region’s cultural and social landscape.
