The conditions for organising the festivals were previously presented via the security protocol entitled Safe Events Serbia — entry to the festivals is controlled and limited to those who are vaccinated, have COVID-19 antibodies, or can present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test. The protocol is based on the latest scientific research conducted across Europe, which has proven that, with the stated restrictions upon entry, the risk of spreading the infection is almost negligible, and the festivals themselves become the safest meeting places in the country. First, the festivals that take place in June and July — Arsenal and EXIT — received their permits, while the August festivals — Lovefest, Beer fest and Nišville — will receive them in the nearest future.
With this act, Serbia, like the USA, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and many other countries, will finally officially get a festival summer, which was severely missed by the youth in particular. It remains to be seen what effects the pandemic has had on mental health, but for now, research has shown that depression has increased by 700%. However, the agreement to hold festivals in Serbia and worldwide finally arouses optimism and provides a vision of a return to normalcy. With this decision, the recovery of the event economy, severely affected by the ban that has been going on for 15 months, can also begin.
The United Festivals of Serbia, with support from the national platform of the Government of Serbia — “Serbia Creates,” the Ministry of Health and the cities of Belgrade and Novi Sad, launched a national campaign promoting vaccination of young people. The goal is for more than 50% of the adult population of Serbia to be vaccinated before 21st June. The fact that the campaign has caused a stir is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted by EXIT among ticket buyers — 64.4% of them have been vaccinated, while 8.2% have antibodies. This means over 70% of visitors have been immunised in some way. The rest will undergo PCR or rapid antigen tests.
Arsenal Fest 11 will take place on 24th, 25th, and 26th June in Kragujevac, and will feature performances by Yngwie Malmsteen, Dub FX, Dubioza kolektiv, Riblja čorba, Bajaga i Instruktori, Partibrejkers, Hladno pivo, and many other artists from the region.
The big celebration of the 20th anniversary of the EXIT festival will take place from 8th to 11th July 2021 at the Petrovaradin Fortress. Attendance has already been confirmed by David Guetta, DJ Snake, Sabaton, Nina Kraviz, Paul Kalkbrenner, Tyga, Solomun, Amelie Lens, Maceo Plex, Denis Sulta, DJ Topic, Robin Schulz, Asaf Avidan, Satori, Boris Brejcha, Honey Dijon, Hot Since 82, Meduza, Paul van Dyk, Artbat, Sheck Wes, Laibach, Amira Medunjanin, Buč Kesidi and hundreds of others.
The jubilee 15th edition of Lovefest will be held from 5th to 7th August this summer in Vrnjačka Banja, headlined by Jamie Jones, Loco Dice, Michael Bibi, Anfisa Letyago, Apollonia, Enrico Sangiuliano, Seth Troxler, Palms Trax, as well as Timmy Regisford, who will celebrate three decades of his career at Lovefest.
The Nišville Jazz Festival will take place from 12th to 15th August at the Niš Fortress, and will feature Goran Bregović & Nišville Big Band, The Horny Funk Brothers ft. Hubert Tubbs, Igor Butman Band, Stone Raiders, Uroš Perić & Mambo Stars, Per „Bass Viking“ Mathinsen trio ft. Gary Husmband and Nguyen Le, Kanda, Kodža & Nebojša, and many others.
The Belgrade Beer Fest will take place from 19th to 22nd August, and the Belgrade Music Week from 26th to 29th August in Belgrade’s Ušće. More information about the artists who will perform at these festivals will be announced in the coming weeks.
