On this day 20 years ago, EXIT was born!
EXIT Noise Summer Fest was launched on June 29, 2000 in the park of the University of Novi Sad with performances by Urban Guerrilla, DJ Fakir and Dee Fejs. The festival lasted almost 100 days during which free concerts, parties, performances, film screenings, exhibitions, tribunes, performances were held every day. It was founded by a group of students with the intention of creating a movement for peace and freedom in Serbia and the Balkans, The project was conceived as an alternative cultural model to the one launched during the 1990s by state and parastate media with the aim of motivating young people to go to the polls in which the regime of Slobodan Milosevic was finally overthrown.
EXIT Noise Summer Fest 2000: https://youtu.be/DQxm7Pqcjug
The festival had two stages, "Šuma" (Wood), located in the park where the concerts were held and "Reka" (River) on the bank of the Danube where the best local DJs performed. At that time, no one could have imagined that these two stages, only a year later would grow into the Main Stage and the Dance Arena (originally called the DJ stage) of one of the biggest international music festivals at the beautiful Petrovaradin Fortress. The festival lasted for nine days in 2001, while in 2003 it was declared the State of EXIT, after which the festival received its recognizable form of four days.
For the past 20 years, the world’s leading media outlets such as the Guardian, CNN, BBC, The Times and many others have reported on Exit as one of the most prestigious festivals in the world. EXIT was officially proclaimed “Best Major European Festival” at the EU Festival Awards 2013 and 2017, while No Sleep Festival held in Belgrade, the youngest member of the EXIT festival family, took home the “Best New Festival” title at the European Festival Awards 2019. Also, EXIT’s Montenegrin edition Sea Dance Festival won the “Best Mid-Sized European festival” award in 2015. The European Festival Award is considered as one of the most influential festival awards in the world. EXIT has also won the “Best Overseas Festival” award at the UK Festival Awards in 2007, as well as “Best Summer Music Festival in Europe” title for 2016 by the travel portal “European Best Destinations” awarded in cooperation with the European Commission. In March 2018 Regional Cooperation Council awarded EXIT Festival as Champion of Regional Cooperation for 2017.
With regional festivals that have become perhaps the largest cultural bridge of Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro and other countries, EXIT crowned its mission of connecting the region, which has been at the core of its existence since the beginning when in 2001, when all young people from all over the Balkans for the first time since the wars met at the same place at the Petrovaradin Fortress. At that time, many destroyed bridges were rebuilt, but also new friendships were created that have lasted for two decades. Social responsibility is still the key aspect of the festival activities, with the main focus on environmental and humanitarian activities, the creative industries development, as well as regional cooperation. Through EXT Foundation, part of the EXIT Festival team that focuses on social activism, over 1000 activities, actions, campaigns and projects were organised in last two decades among which the “Youth Heroes” campaign, aiming to promote positive examples to the youth of Serbia, as well the campaign to abolish Schengen visas in 2009, when the then European Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn pointed out the "State of EXIT" certificate he received as the best memory from Serbia. Two big humanitarian projects that stand out are humanitarian football match "Aces for children" and EXIT AID 2014. "Aces for children'' gathered Serbian football legends such as Radomir Antic, Bora Milutinovic, Predrag Mijatovic, Dejan Stankovic and others playing together for the same purpose – raising funds for the construction of a Niš clinical ward for children with cancer. Over 120,000 euros were raised at this match. EXIT AID, a program for assistance to those who were hit by unprecedented floods, marked the social work of the EXIT Foundation in 2014. Over 140,000 euros were raised. Last year EXIT started the environmental platform Green R: Evolution, within which Serbia committed to raise the country's afforestation by planting almost 1 billion trees in the forthcoming years, with Serbia’s forests expected to increase from 28 percent to 40 percent of the country’s total surface area.
EXIT has so far generated 200 million euros in tourist income to the Serbian economy, while the value of the country's international promotion, according to experts, is invaluable.
In its 20 years of existence, EXIT hosted some of the leading names of the international music scene, including The Prodigy, The Cure, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, David Guetta, Skrillex, Migos, White Stripes, Moby, Martin Garrix, Avicii, Carl Cox, Guns N' Roses, LCD Soundsystem, Sex Pistols, Motörhead, Slayer, Robert Plant, Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, Liam Gallagher, Beastie Boys, Ellie Goulding, Faith No More, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Iggy Pop, The Chemical Brothers, Eric Prydz, Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin, Solomun, Nina Kraviz, Paul Kalkbrenner, Sven Väth and many many others.
EXIT festival will be held from August 13 to 16 at the Petrovaradin Fortress, after the Serbian Prime Minister asked the EXIT festival not to cancel but move to August. Following all health and government guidelines, EXIT will open at least 20 stages and zones throughout the expansive Petrovaradin Fortress. One of the main precautionary measures, the number of attendees will be limited to 50%, in an area that can hold at least 90% of its usual capacity.
The festival will host an array of international music acts including: Robin Schulz, Amelie Lens, Paul Kalkbrenner, Boris Brejcha, Artbat, Nina Kraviz, Tale of Us, Black Coffee, Ofenbach, Burak Yeter, DJ Regard, , Roni Size b2b LTJ Bukem, Boris Brejcha, Meduza, Denis Sulta b2b DJ Tennis, Dax J b2b Kobosil, 999999999 live, Francois X, Juliana Huxtable, Monosaccharide, Marcel Dettmann, VTSS, SPFDJ, Laibach, Obojeni program Massimo, Goblini, Buč Kesidi, Marko Nastić, Insolate, Andrew Meller, Ilija Djoković, Kristijan Molnar, Coeus, Space Motion, After Affair, Lag, Monosaccharide, Bokee and many more to be announced soon.
Contact
Nikki McNeill |Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
UNITED WE STREAM SHOWCASES BRIGHTON’S VENUES AND ARTISTS
Performances from 12 artists in 6 different venues, United We Stream Brighton delivered 4 days of quality music, showcasing some of the best local artists and venues.
On 18th June Brighton joined the global streaming community with ‘United We Stream’ launching in the city. A movement that started in Berlin during lockdown that has spread to over 65 cities around the world, United We Stream Brighton will showcase the music, culture and free-thinking rainbow infused spirit to viewers at home, whilst raising money for the city’s night-time economy, cultural organisations and charities.
The idea is for locals as well as people around the world to enjoy and experience Brighton’s music, art and culture through the website and social platforms. United We Stream Brighton is free, but with donations welcome, and all proceeds will go to support bars, clubs, pubs, venues, restaurants, performers, freelancers and cultural organisations across Brighton & Hove as well as contributing to the fight against homelessness and the vital work undertaken by the Grassroots charity and Audio Active.
With over 70K views and performances from 12 artists in 6 different venues on the launch weekend, United We Stream Brighton delivered 4 days of quality music, showcasing some of the best local artists and venues.
Week 1 launched with homegrown label SKINT taking over the streams on Thursday 18th June with Rising star Kideko kickings things off at Norman Cook’s Big Beach Cafe, Dense & Pika performing in the British Airways i360 pod, with the finale being chart-topping duo Waze & Odyssey from the Brighton Centre. On Friday Sam Moffet from English Disco Lovers Stuart Wood served up some uplifting disco vibes from The Better Half, followed by some uplifting house beats from Seamus Haji with his signature Big Love sounds from The Tempest and the UK’s leading Scratch DJ and turntablist and DMC Champion JFB wrapping things up from the Brighton Centre. On Saturday long-standing Brighton based club night Berlin presented 4 hours of the finest underground electronic music vibes with Monica, Lola, Suze Rosser and club founder Markus Saarlander. Keeping things chilled on Sunday, Primal Scream’s Martin Duffy reminded us how we miss our favourite pubs with a DJ set from his local The Better Half, followed by blissed out vibes from popular seafront venue The Tempest with Flip Fantazia.
The music will continue over the coming weeks, so keep an eye out on the website social media pages for the upcoming line ups. Acts to look forward to include; Anthony Pappa, Billy Nasty, Freemasons, Freestylers Just Her, Kinky Dangerous, Krafty Kuts, Luke Brancaccio, Midfield General, Prok & Fitch, Steve Mason, Wax Works and many more!
Please donate what you can to raise money for Brighton's nightlife, cultural organisations, charities and the fight against homelessness.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brightonunitedwestream
Week 2 - Program Schedule:
Thursday 25th June
8pm: Prok & Fitch - i360 pod
Friday 26th June:
7pm: Spike - English Disco Lovers - Better Half
8pm: Shillin - Brighton Centre
9pm: Freestylers - Disco Bug
10pm: Krafty Kuts - Disco Bug
11pm: Soul Man - Disco Bug
Plus special appearance from JFB
Saturday 27th June
7pm: Gaydio presents /Kinky Dangerous - Revenge Roof Top
8pm: Magnus Asberg - Tempest
9pm: Alex Downy - Brighton Centre
Sunday 28th June
7pm: Dean Marsh - Better Half
8pm: Steve Mason - Better Half
United We Stream Brighton will feature some of Brighton’s most-loved venues, streaming music and performances every weekend uniting the city during the coronavirus pandemic. Initiated by Berlin-Brighton, The Brighton Music Conference, and Global Publicity, United we Stream Brighton joins Manchester to fly the flag for the UK music industry showcasing our talent to the world and reminding us of all the venues that are closed and we are missing during this time. A recent article by the UK Theatre and Society of London Theatre, estimated that half of all music venues and 70% of theatres across the UK face permanent closure. Therefore donating and joining the movement to support our music, art and culture in Brighton is essential.
Watch the live stream and find out more here:
Website: https://brighton.unitedwestream.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWeStreamBrighton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitedwestreambrighton
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoE25NcYTmM
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Amelie Lens, Black Coffee, Nina Kraviz, Paul Kalkbrenner, Robin Schulz and many more confirmed for EXIT festival this summer
After the Serbian Prime Minister asked the EXIT festival not to cancel but move to August, the organizers are working round the clock to create a special and meaningful event for the 20th birthday edition. With the dates set for EXIT to take place from 13 to 16 August, the first wave of more than 30 performers are announced including Amelie Lens, Black Coffee, Nina Kraviz, Paul Kalkbrenner, Boris Brejcha, Tale Of Us, Robin Schulz, Ofenbach and Laibach. Roni Size who headlined the festival 20 years ago, will also perform an exclusive B2B set with LTJ Bukem feat. EXIT resident MC Dynamite, to name a few. All artists will be coming together to play at one of the world’s best loved and award-winning festivals that started as a peace and freedom movement back in 2000.
Leading Electronic Acts Reunite at EXIT Festival:
When EXIT called for unity last November publishing a 2020 campaign that shows different races and ethnicities combined together in a single human face, no one could have predicted that it would be as relevant as it is today.
"With everything that is happening in the world today, the social message of EXIT, unfortunately, seems as important as it was 20 years ago. Back then we were exiting the oppressive regime and fighting for peace and freedom in Serbia and Balkans. Now, 20 years later, we wish to send a message of hope to the world that worst is behind us when the pandemic is concerned, but also stress that there is so much work we all need to do when the things like racial inequalities or the destruction of our planet are concerned" - said founder and CEO of EXIT festival Dušan Kovačević.
Many of the leading music industry figures are naming this year’s festival edition as a “beacon of light” for the recovery for the event industry. Following all health and government guidelines, EXIT will open at least 20 stages and zones throughout the expansive Petrovaradin Fortress. One of the main precautionary measures, the number of attendees will be limited to 50%, in an area that can hold at least 90% of its usual capacity.
The Main Stage will be in its usual place on the central plateau of the Petrovaradin Fortress, ready to host spectacular performances by global and regional superstars such as Laibach, Robin Schulz, Roni Size b2b LTJ Bukem feat. Dynamite MC, Ofenbach, Burak Yeter, DJ Regard and many more to be announced. All of them will be joined by the region’s finest bands such as Obojeni Program, Buč Kesidi, Massimo, Goblini, and many more who will be just as interesting replacements for some of the many live tours that are no longer available to book before 2021.
Video Main stage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC0l4O2eYO4&feature=youtu.be
Festival’s energetic hub, the colossal mts Dance Arena, which according to many is the most spectacular electronic music stage on Earth, will host some of the world’s biggest artists including Black Coffee, Nina Kraviz, Amelie Lens, Paul Kalkbrenner, Denis Sulta, Boris Brejcha, Tale Of Us, ARTBAT, Dax J, Kobosil, DJ Tennis, Meduza , Marko Nastić, After Affair b2b Kristijan Molnar, Andrew Meller, Lag b2b Insolate, Ilija Djokovic, Coeus, Space Motion, Reblok and many more. It’s that special moment when the sun's rays shine over the fortress walls and your favorite tune is belting through the sound system and into your soul, which will once again make the festival experience unforgettable yet again.
The neighbouring No Sleep Novi Sad stage, that gained incredible international praise in the past five years, leading to the launch of its own festival in Belgrade each November, returns in August with its first acts such as Juliana Huxtable, Francois X, Marcel Dettmann, VTSS b2b SPFDJ, 999999999 Live, Monosaccharide, Bokee and many more to follow in the coming days.
In addition to the biggest stages, EXIT magic would not be possible without several iconic stages such as Aqua Viva Latino Stage, hip-hop fans favourite Beats Stage, drum and bass music spot XBass Pit stage. Another stage showcasing the local and regional DJ scene Urban Bug, will also be present this year as will AS FM powered by Guarana and Gaia eXperiment Trance. In addition to leisure and refreshment zones, a special place this year will be occupied by Pachamama zone, while the historical meeting place, for this year’s special edition, will be the Wenti Wadada Reggae Stage.
More artists will be joining the bill over the coming weeks, while the organizers prepare the festival in cooperation with the National Health Department of the Government of Serbia. Serbia, like many other European countries, has already reopened its borders with no limits or PCR tests needed anymore, so people from all around Europe will be able to come to the festival. If by any chance there is an epidemic outbreak in some countries in August, visitors coming from that particular country will go through quick PCR tests which will be either completely free or very low priced.
Life Stream
Born out of the youth movement for peace and freedom in Serbia and Balkans, EXIT social work is as equally important as the festival itself with thousands of humanitarian and social projects realized in the last two decades. On its 20th anniversary, EXIT also continues with plans to launch its biggest environmental project to this date dubbed the LIFE STREAM. The project’s main concept is to stream shows from the festival in a new innovative way by playing additional footage with quotes and information about the unprecedented environmental crisis and other rising social issues that the whole world is facing today.
Tickets - The most popular EXIT offer 4+1 returns too!
“Buy 4, get 5”, colloquially known as the “4+1” offer is the most wanted Exit’s group offer and will be available from Wednesday 17th June. Behind the simple 4=5 mathematics there is the idea that makes it easier for any group of friends to go to the festival. Namely, friends who buy four festival tickets at once will get the fifth EXIT ticket for free! “Buy 4, get 5” offer features a very limited number of tickets, so make sure you grab yours on time! EXIT tickets can be found at exitfest.org for just £89 | 99 € + b/f, and for those who wish to bundle them with accommodation and local transfer, there are also packages starting from 149 €.
All fans who purchased their ticket in the period before the suspension of sales will have the opportunity to decide whether they want to use their ticket for the August edition of the festival, exchange it for next year’s festival, or seek a refund in accordance with the conditions, prescribed by the Serbian Government for events delayed due to the pandemic, of which they will be notified in a timely manner.
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
Nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Tomorrowland Around the World, the digital festival unveils star-studded line-up with Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, Armin van Buuren, Charlotte de Witte, David Guetta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Dixon, Kölsch, Lost Frequencies, Martin Garrix, NERVO, Paul Kalkbrenner, Steve Aoki, Tale of Us and many more
Tomorrowland is giving a first exclusive sneak preview into the new magical world of its spectacular two-day digital music festival experience that will bring together more than 60 of the planet’s biggest names in electronic dance music on 8 different stages.
June 15, 2020 – On Saturday July 25 and Sunday July 26, Tomorrowland is organising Tomorrowland Around the World, the digital festival: a spectacular entertainment experience open to people of all ages and places, unfazed by borders or boundaries – a world premiere and a major step in the future of digital music festivals. Bringing together more than 60 of the world’s most prominent artists in dance music with spectacular special effects and astonishing 3D-technology, Tomorrowland now announces its stellar line-up for the two-day festival weekend, including unique performances by the likes of Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, Armin van Buuren, Charlotte de Witte, David Guetta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Kölsch, Lost Frequencies, Martin Garrix, Paul Kalkbrenner, Steve Aoki, Tale of Us, Tiësto, Timmy Trumpet and many more. On top of releasing its full line-up, Tomorrowland is giving a first exclusive sneak preview into the dazzling new Tomorrowland location it has been crafting over the past few months. The full line-up per stage can be found on tomorrowland.com – more very special guests and friends of Tomorrowland will be announced later; ticket sales start on Thursday June 18 via tomorrowland.com.
Catering to all genres with an eclectic line-up, from trance to hardstyle, to house to dubstep and future bass, there is definitely something for everyone during the unprecedented two-day festival experience. Tomorrowland Around the World will offer a packed schedule and is using the world’s best technology in 3D design, video production, gaming and special effects to bring together 8 different stages, including the iconic Mainstage that gives a first introduction into the magical world of ‘The Reflection of Love – Chapter 1’, plenty of signature Tomorrowland stages such as Atmosphere, Core and Freedom Stage, joined by 3 new stages, which have been specially created and designed by the creative team and 3D artists behind Tomorrowland. In an exclusive sneak preview, Tomorrowland is giving a very first look into the magical and newly created Tomorrowland location it has been building over the past few months, giving people across the globe a first taste of the dazzling world they will be able to navigate through during Tomorrowland Around the World, the digital festival.
Each stage will premiere brand new music and video content from the world’s best artists and a large portion of the fireworks and laser shows characteristic of Tomorrowland. The Mainstage – embodying the theme of 2020 ‘The Reflection of Love – Chapter 1’ – will be graced by the biggest industry heavyweights as Afrojack, Alan Walker, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Don Diablo, Kölsch, Lost Frequencies, Martin Garrix, NERVO, Oliver Heldens Paul Kalkbrenner, Steve Aoki, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Tiësto, Timmy Trumpet and Vintage Culture.
The wonderful Atmosphere stage will be headlined by the likes of techno legends Amelie Lens, Dixon, Joyhauser, Reinier Zonneveld, Stephan Bodzin and Tale of Us. Several other house & techno music tastemakers including Adriatique, ANNA, Adam Beyer, Cellini, Charlotte de Witte, Joris Voorn and Patrice Baumel will deliver the most mesmerizing and atmospheric sounds at the mythical Core stage – a crowd favourite and definitely one of the most unique stages at Tomorrowland.
Tomorrowland’s iconic Freedom Stage will see Claptone, Jack Back and Solardo return, with hardstyle acts like Coone, Da Tweekaz and Wildstylez on the Q-Dance stage. Some of the world’s best artists in future bass, dubstep and trap music – Carnage, Eptic, Gryffin, Netsky, NGHTMRE, San Holo and Yellow Claw – will gather at one of the brand new stages.
Dimitri Vegas: “We’ve deliberately been holding out on doing livestreams as we wanted this to be really special. We had the opportunity to see the stage designs of the digital festival and it will be nothing like the world has ever seen. It’s truly an immersive and unique experience and surpasses any expectations someone can have when they hear the term ‘virtual festival’. People are just not ready for what they are about to see. We can’t wait!”
Armin van Buuren: “Tomorrowland Around the World is a great opportunity for me to connect with my fans during these lockdown times and I hope that this will help everyone to hold on for a bit longer until we can party together on actual festival grounds again! Very delighted to be part of this ground-breaking event.”
Steve Aoki: “Tomorrowland is always a special festival for me so I'm very honoured to be a part of Tomorrowland’s digital festival that will be uniting so many people from around the world in a way that hasn't been done before. The connection between amazing music, breath-taking 3D design and the latest filming techniques from Hollywood get me extremely excited!”
Paul Kalkbrenner: "I’m very honoured to be part of this exciting new project and I’m thrilled to see the outcome, once it airs. Tomorrowland and its crew have always played an integral role throughout the last years and it has become more of a friendship than a pure work relation. Thanks for having me again on the Mainstage."
Amelie Lens: “I am very excited to be playing at the biggest digital festival ever. I’ve heard that hundreds of people are currently working day and night to create a never before seen experience, so I honestly cannot wait for the last weekend of July.”
Festival visitors will be able to navigate easily through a magical and newly created Tomorrowland location with a PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet – you don’t need special VR goggles – and explore the entire festival site in an interactive way together with friends. Besides the performances there will be all kinds of interactive experiences to choose from, including inspirational webinars, games and workshops related to lifestyle, food, fashion and the Tomorrowland Foundation. Together with the performances, Tomorrowland Around the World will be a full day/weekend experience between 15h00–01h00 CEST. There will be a ‘time-zone-friendly’ option for visitors from Asia and North or South America.
The People of Tomorrow are invited to experience this unique event together with friends: dressing up with your best festival outfit, putting up tents in your back garden to create your own DreamVille, setting up a big screen, inviting your beloved ones for a nice barbecue with music and an amazing festival experience, decorating your balcony or throwing a party in your living room – this weekend is all about uniting through the power of music in a responsible and safe way.
Tomorrowland Around the World, the digital festival – the line-up:
- Adam Beyer
- Adriatique
- Afrojack
- Alan Walker
- Amelie Lens
- Andrew Rayel
- ANNA
- Armin van Buuren
- Bassjackers
- B Jones
- Carnage
- Cat Dealers
- Cellini
- Charlotte de Witte
- Claptone
- Coone
- Da Tweekaz
- David Guetta
- D-Block & S-te-fan
- Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
- Dixon
- Don Diablo
- EDX
- Eptic
- Fedde Legrand
- Gryffin
- Jack Back
- Joris Voorn
- Joyhauser
- Klingande
- Kölsch
- Laidback Luke
- DJ Licious
- Lost Frequencies
- Marlo
- Martin Garrix
- Modestep
- Mr Pig
- NERVO
- Netsky
- NGHTMRE
- NWYR
- Oliver Heldens
- Patrice Baumel
- Paul Kalkbrenner
- Ran – D
- Regard
- Reinier Zonneveld
- Robin Schulz
- San Holo
- Solardo
- Stephan Bodzin
- Steve Aoki
- Sub Zero Project
- Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano
- Tale of Us
- Tiësto
- Timmy Trumpet
- Vini Vici
- Vintage Culture
- Wildstylez
- Yellow Claw
- Yves Deruyter
- Yves V
The full line-up per stage can be found on tomorrowland.com. Some special performances will be added soon.
Tomorrowland Around the World, the digital festival
- Saturday July 25 and Sunday July 26,2020.
- Between 16h00–01h00 CEST.
- ‘Time-zone-friendly’ for visitors from Asia and North and South America.
- Open for people of all ages and places.
- Accessible exclusively on tomorrowland.com.
- Ticket sales start on Thursday June 18 via tomorrowland.com.
- Day ticket costs €12.50.
- Weekend ticket costs €20.00 and includes a week of video-on-demand content to relive the entire experience.
- Special People of Tomorrow packages and Home Party packages will be available.
- Info and updates: tomorrowland.com
UNITED WE STREAM LAUNCHES IN BRIGHTON
Brighton joins the global streaming community 'United We Stream' to raise money for the city’s night-time economy, cultural organisations and charities
https://brighton.unitedwestream.org
Brighton joins the global streaming community with ‘United We Stream’ launching in the city this week. A movement that started in Berlin during lockdown that has spread to over 65 cities around the world, United We Stream Brighton will showcase the music, culture and free-thinking rainbow infused spirit to viewers at home, whilst raising money for the city’s night-time economy, cultural organisations and charities.
The idea is for locals as well as people around the world to enjoy and experience Brighton’s music, art and culture through the website and social platforms. United We Stream Brighton is free, but with donations welcome, and all proceeds will go to night-time economy businesses and cultural organisations across Brighton & Hove as well as contributing to the fight against homelessness and the vital work undertaken by the Grassroots charity and Audio Active.
United We Stream Brighton will feature some of Brighton’s most-loved venues including; British Airways i360, The Tempest, Big Beach Cafe, Enter Art Gallery (formerly Art Republic), The Brighton Centre and many more, streaming live music and performances every weekend uniting the city during the coronavirus pandemic.
Initiated by Berlin-Brighton, The Brighton Music Conference, and Global Publicity, United we Stream Brighton joins Manchester to fly the flag for the UK music industry showcasing our talent to the world and reminding us of all the venues that are closed and we are missing during this time. A recent article by the UK Theatre and Society of London Theatre, estimated that half of all music venues and 70% of theatres across the UK face permanent closure. Therefore donating and joining the movement to support our music, art and culture in Brighton is essential.
Launching on Thursday 18th June, homegrown label SKINT will take over the streams with 4 exciting artists playing at various venues along Brighton Seafront. Rising star Kideko kicks things off at Norman Cook’s Big Beach Cafe, label boss and founder, Midfield General from the Revenge rooftop, Dense & Pika performing in the British Airways i360 pod, with the finale being chart-topping duo Waze & Odyssey from the Brighton Centre terrace.
On Friday Sam Moffet from English Disco Lovers Stuart Wood will serve up some uplifting disco vibes from The Better Half, followed by some uplifting house beats from Seamus Haji with his signature Big Love sounds and the UK’s leading Scratch DJ and turntablist and DMC Champion JFB wrapping things up with a set in the Brighton Centre with his MC’s.
On Saturday long-standing Brighton based club night Berlin will present 4 hours of the finest underground electronic music vibes with Monica, Lola, Sami Kubu and club founder Markus Saarlander.
Keeping things chilled on Sunday, Primal Scream’s Martin Duffy reminds us how we miss our favourite pubs with a DJ set from his local The Better Half, followed by some blissed out vibes from popular seafront venue The Tempest with Flip Fantazia.
Program Schedule:
Thursday 18th June
6pm: SKINT presents Kideko - Big Beach Cafe
7pm: SKINT presents Damian Midfield General - Revenge Rooftop
8pm: SKINT presents Dense & Pika - i360
9pm: SKINT presents Waze & Odyssey - The Brighton Centre
Friday 19th June:
7pm: Sam Moffett - EDL - The Better Half
8pm: Seamus Haji (Big Love) - The Tempest
9pm: JFB - The Brighton Centre
Saturday 20th June
6pm: Berlin-Brighton - Monica - Zahara
7pm: Berlin-Brighton - SamiKubu - Zahara
8pm: Berlin-Brighton - Markus Saarlander- Zahara
9pm: Berlin-Brighton - Lola - Zahara
Sunday 21st June
6pm: Martin Duffy DJ set (Primal Scream) - The Better Half
7pm: Flip Fantazia - The Tempest
Watch the live stream and find out more here:
Website: https://brighton.unitedwestream.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWeStreamBrighton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitedwestreambrighton
Youtube: coming soon
Contact:
For more info contact Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
EXIT as a beacon of light at the end of the tunnel
“Everyone from the event industry I spoke to is very excited about what is happening EXIT. I think it’s a little beacon of light for the industry to focus on,” Maria May, CAA
The Third virtual session of international online conference "EXIT strategy", discussed how the current pandemic situation has affected the live music industry and festivals, featured leading industry professionals including; Maria May, Global live music agent CAA, Christof Huber, YOUROPE, Cindy Castillo, Mad Cool Festival, Ruud Berends, ESNS and IFF Co-Founder and EXITs own Dušan Kovačević. Speakers gave insights into the situation in 3 different topics covering the current situation, the economic impact, and the future, and pointed out that newly published guidelines of WHO on mass gatherings, continuation of ETEP program, as well the loosening of restrictions in many countries in Europe, presenting big steps towards new horizons.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saXwVlcA9oU
“We are all really excited. Pretty much everybody I’ve spoken to in the industry is extremely excited that EXIT is going ahead. I think it’s a really good moment in this awful situation that we’ve all found ourselves in. I think it’s a little beacon of light for the industry to focus on a little bit against the backdrop of, we are still in very early stages with most markets around the world easing out of lockdown and working out what the future could be, what it looks like” - said Maria May.
Secretary - General and board member of the European Festival Association Yourope, Christof Huber, said that the new recommendation of the World Health Organization which allows mass manifestations is a glimpse of hope.
“New reccomendations by WHO are like a glimmer of light that they see, that the live scene is important for our social feelings to get together, that it is important to have big gatherings” - explained Huber and stressed: „A good signs are ahead, we need to make sure that the audience trusts coming back and that the people can see that we can do the shows responsibly. “- explained Huber. What should never be forgotten, as Huber said, is the sustainability and value of live music.
Eurosonic Noorderslag is one of Europe´s, one of the most important showcase festivals that will definitely take place, in whatever format or form Governments and circumstances allow them to organize it.
“We’ll have artists do conference items but we’re not going to make up our minds on the final format or shape until somewhere in September. Obviously we are in a luxury position where we can see what the others are doing and how that goes, what works and what doesn’t work, and I think in this case it’s good to have a little bit more time, especially if you see how quickly things are changing at the moment.” - said head of Conference & ETEP @ ESNS / IFF Co-Founder, Ruud Berends. He revealed also that the European Talent Exchange Program, even in these difficult times, got the support to go ahead.
In previous months, the pandemic hit the event industry the hardest, bearing in mind that mass events were the first to be banned with a 100 percent drop in revenue.
The founder and CEO of EXIT festival Dušan Kovačević said that the invitation by the Prime Minister of Serbia to postpone the festival to august and not cancel it was unexpected news. Now the EXIT team has two months to prepare, and support and solidarity from the industry will be very important for the first events that are happening.
“I think that unity is probably the biggest theme that we will cherish from this situation. I was actually very positively surprised by how all of the industry came together. In Serbia, all of the festivals are set together for the first time and now creating an organization. This is the chance for the whole event industry to show to their Governments the real importance of the industry - economical, for the mental health, different social benefits, etc.” – Kovačević concluded.
In discussing the social importance of human contact, Cindy Castillo, underlined that the music industry must advocate that "new normality", in which people can’t be able to touch each other, should not be an option because it's in human nature to touch each other, have a need to hug get together, exchange feelings.
"We have been swallowing fear for three months. From TV, the internet, press. At the end of the day all of us, we work in music because we want to be different and it will be part of our life experience to actually go out there and normalize the situation. Not only because of our business but because music is about love, about getting together, about changing things. We need to make sure that all that fear has been for months disappears and they just start swallowing safety and understanding we can definitely be normal again, we will be normal again. I’m not going to live in a brutal reality „Black mirror" slash Matrix“ world." - concluded Castillo.
One of the places in months to come, where the festival audience from all around the world will have the possibility to gather again will be the Petrovaradin Fortress from August 13 to 16., as all participants unanimously stated at the end of the panel - "See you at Exit!"
EXIT Festival is known for supporting social change since the Serbian revolution in 2000, is now presenting a series of panels under the name “EXIT Strategy”. The international online conference will gather regional or international panelists in the field of tourism, culture, events, media, and other spheres of public life.
To watch entire panel click here EXIT Strategy
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpubicity.co.uk
Tomorrowland Around The World, the digital festival
A spectacular two-day digital music festival experience, bringing together the biggest names in electronic dance music and the world’s best technology in 3D design, video production and special effects.
25th and 26th July 26 2020
www.tomorrowland.com
A dazzling new Tomorrowland location has been crafted over the past few months, in a place far away from anyone, a place that you would normally never visit... but one that is set to open its doors, welcoming everyone from all corners of the world, for one weekend only...
Taking place on Saturday July 25 and Sunday July 26, Tomorrowland Around The World, the digital festival will be a spectacular entertainment experience open to people of all ages and places, unfazed by borders or boundaries – a world premiere and a major step in the future of digital music festivals. Discover the Official Tomorrowland Around The World Trailer here.
Over recent months, Tomorrowland has received many requests from its worldwide community to do something special during the two sold-out weekends of Tomorrowland Belgium. This global connection has inspired Tomorrowland to introduce and create a brand new platform through which visitors can participate in an unprecedented two-day festival experience.
Festival visitors will be able to navigate easily through a magical and newly created Tomorrowland location with a PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet – you don’t need special VR goggles – and explore the entire festival site in an interactive way together with friends. The two-day festival weekend will offer its guests a packed schedule with plenty of things to do, see and experience.
As with the other editions of Tomorrowland, music and spectacular shows will be central to this event. The festival will feature plenty of signature Tomorrowland stages – 8 different stages in total – including Atmosphere, Core, Freedom Stage and Elixir, joined by 3 new stages, which have been specially created and designed by the creative team and 3D artists behind Tomorrowland. Each stage will feature music from the world’s best artists in dance and electronic music – from all genres – and a large portion of the fireworks and laser shows characteristic of Tomorrowland. As icing on the cake this year’s iconic Mainstage, embodying the theme of 2020 ‘The Reflection of Love – Chapter 1’, will be unveiled to the world during Tomorrowland Around The World.
Besides the performances there will be all kinds of interactive experiences to choose from, including inspirational webinars, games and workshops related to lifestyle, food, fashion and the Tomorrowland Foundation. Together with the performances, Tomorrowland Around The World will be a full day/weekend experience between 15h00–01h00 CEST. There will be a ‘time-zone-friendly’ option for visitors from Asia and North or South America.
Tomorrowland is using the world’s leading technologies in 3D design, video production, gaming and special effects to bring together 8 different stages with a stellar line-up of the most prominent artists in dance music, all of them premiering brand new content to be discovered exclusively on tomorrowland.com over the course of the weekend.
Michiel Beers, co-founder of Tomorrowland: “Tomorrowland Around The World is the result of a gigantic team effort of hundreds of people who are working around the clock to create a never-before-seen interactive entertainment experience. Since we started this project and all ideas came together, we immediately felt an enormous energy and lots of positivity from everybody involved. For us it’s a bit re-inventing the festival experience, but we truly believe that we can bring the spirit of Tomorrowland and entertainment at the highest level to people and homes around the globe. We hope that hundreds of thousands of people will unite in a responsible way and that small Tomorrowland gatherings at people’s homes – from Canada to Australia, from Japan to Brazil and everywhere in between – will be organised. Especially during the weekend where normally Tomorrowland Belgium would take place, we really have the power to unite the world.”
The People of Tomorrow are invited to experience this unique event together with friends: dressing up with your best festival outfit, putting up tents in your back garden to create your own DreamVille, setting up a big screen, inviting your beloved ones for a nice barbecue with music and an amazing festival experience, decorating your balcony or throwing a party in your living room – this weekend is all about uniting through the power of music in a responsible and safe way.
More about this all-new Tomorrowland location will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Tomorrowland Around The World, the digital festival
- Saturday July 25 and Sunday July 26,2020.
- Between 15h00–01h00 CEST.
- ‘Time-zone-friendly’ for visitors from Asia and North and South America.
- Open for people of all ages and places.
- Accessible exclusively on tomorrowland.com.
- Line-up will be announced on Monday June 15.
- Ticket sales start on Thursday June 18 via tomorrowland.com.
- Day ticket costs €12.50.
- Weekend ticket costs €20.00 and includes a week of video-on-demand content to relive the entire experience.
- Special People of Tomorrow packages and Home Party packages will be available.
- Info and updates: tomorrowland.com
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
EXIT FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE THIRD PANEL IN A SERIES OF ONLINE SESSIONS
As well as sharing numerous premiere live streams shows with their fans from the past 20 years, EXIT Festival known for supporting social change since the Serbian revolution in 2000, is now presenting a series of panels under the name “EXIT Strategy”. The international online conference will gather regional or international panellists in the field of tourism, culture, events, media and other spheres of public life.
After the success of the regional panels, the first international panel will take place on Thursday 4th June. Titled; ‘A New Hope: Events on the horizon’ the panel will discuss how the current pandemic situation has affected the live music industry and festivals, with some of the leading industry professionals who will give insights into the situation in 3 different topics covering the current situation, the economic impact and the future.
A New Hope: Events on the horizon?
Thursday 4th June at 18:00 CET
Watch here: https://www.facebook.com/exit.festival/
Speakers:
- Dušan Kovačević, Founder and CEO of EXIT festival
- Christof Huber - YOUROPE - THE EUROPEAN FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION, General Secretary and Board Member
- Ruud Berends - Head of Conference & ETEP @ ESNS / IFF Co-Founder.
- Cindy Castilllo, Mad Cool Festival
- Maria May, Global live music agent CAA
- Moderator: Nikki McNeill, Global Publicity
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.vo.uk
It’s official! EXIT Festival’s 20th Anniversary edition will take place from 13th to 16th August 2020
After the epidemic ended in most of the countries in the Balkans, the Serbian Prime Minister asked EXIT Festival not to cancel, but instead, take place later in the summer. This news shook the music industry last week and provided much-needed hope for the return of live music events. Now, after additional consultations, the new dates for the 20th birthday of the world renowned Serbian festival are finally set from 13 to 16 August this year!
The Exit team announced that the whole event will be organised in close cooperation with the National Health Coordination team and they will follow all health and government guidelines. As one of the measures, the festival capacity will be reduced and some of the moats and trenches that host around 40 stages and zones will remain closed. However, the most breathtaking spots at the 18th century Petrovaradin fortress that made EXIT legendary such are the colossal Dance Arena, the festival’s Main Stage, and iconic No Sleep among others, will shine once more this August!
The ticket sales will restart on June 1st with all details including refund options as well as the updated lineup to follow in the coming days. The festival team has confirmed that a vast majority of artists they spoke to are eager to perform this summer. Many of them have been away from the audience for several months in isolation, and they see EXIT as an opportunity to reconnect with their fans this summer.
At EXIT, they add that this great news also holds a great responsibility since the Serbian festival wants to give tribute to their postponed peers on the global event scene who will be invited to join the festival in August: "We got so many messages and emails of support from other festival promoters, agents and artists who see EXIT as a sign of a soon revival for the whole event industry. But even more important, a sign for the whole society that the worst is behind is", says the EXIT’s founder Dušan Kovačević and adds an interesting reference from the festival’s revolutionary history: "Exactly 20 years ago, after a decade of isolation and civil wars in the ’90s, we found an exit and embraced it as our name. Now, it’s time to globally exit from this pandemic”, says Kovačević.
Serbia, like many other European countries, will reopen its borders with no limits or PCR tests needed, so people from all around Europe will be able to come to the festival. Festival organizers underline that if by any chance there is an epidemic outbreak in some countries in August, visitors coming from that particular country will have to go through the PCR test which will be free or very low priced. However, the Serbian Prime Minister said that their health experts expect the epidemic situation will be under control in all of Europe by then.
Born out of youth movement for peace and freedom in Serbia and Balkans, EXIT social work is as equally important as the festival itself with thousands of humanitarian and social projects realized in the last two decades. On its 20th anniversary, EXIT also continues with plans to launch its biggest environmental project to this date dubbed the LIFE STREAM. The project’s main concept is to stream shows from the festival in a new innovative way by playing additional footage with quotes and information about the unprecedented environmental crisis and other rising social issues after the pandemic.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
Nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
NTIA RAISES CONCERNS OVER THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL DISTANCING ON THE NIGHT-TIME ECONOMY AND EVENTS SECTOR
The Announcement last week from the Government on Departmental Task Forces working with Industry to find solutions has been received well, but there is a big question on what the government's expectations are in terms of public health measures, and much scepticism from the sector as to how this will be managed, both operationally and through the licensing regulators.
The sector has already experienced operators being asked to close takeaway services based on the Public Safety Licensing Objective, with reasons cited as encouraging people to not socially distance. But how far is the responsibility of the Operator going to stretch?
What if some of these businesses are unworkable under the expected conditions, There must be some consideration for Government financial support for businesses unable to comply, allowing them to survive until they are able to re-engage the market place?
Says NTIA CEO Michael Kill:
“Will the Government take a more pragmatic approach and allow businesses to generate their own guides to mitigate the risk presented to us, as is the case with current Health & Safety measures? Without clarity, no one can plan, prepare, understand the viability. Our Industry wants to open, we don't want to open and put people at risk, and the last thing anyone wants is for us to re-engage the market for us to be closed ⅔ weeks later following another spike in transmission and deaths.”
Across Europe many countries are considering reducing the 2m social distancing guide inline with the World Health Organisations 1m recommendation, which has been re-enforced by many academics across the country as ‘sensible’. The bigger question is how will this work in Pubs and Restaurants and are Nightclubs, Venues and Events able to even consider these measures given the very premise to their existence.
The Night-time economy and events sector is built on social engagement and while many operators have been working tirelessly to find a solution, many businesses across the sector feel this is not an option, and that with the reduction in business capacity, enforced spacing, queue management, staff and customer safety and PPE brings into question not only the viability, but whether this is something that can be managed in many spaces. Even before we account for the public perception of safety within our businesses.
When lockdown is lifted many businesses feel they will only return at 40-43% of capacity for the first three months, with 64% of businesses not being financially viable. With an estimated start up cost of over 31K for the initial period, and an estimated 55% of staff returning to their roles across the sector.
The NTIA continues to raise concerns over the impact of Covid - 19 on the Night-time economy and events sector. This has been recognised by the Department of Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) and the NTIA is now invited to join the Task Force working groups alongside other key organisations to draw on industry knowledge and experience to assess whether there are safe and workable solutions for the industry to return to business after the lockdown.
Katharine Khan, Village Underground & EartH, London
“With 13 years experience running the 700 capacity Village Underground live music & club space in Shoreditch, London, we already know how many people we need to come through our doors to cover our costs. Working on a regular basis at the much reduced capacities that would be required by social distancing will not enable us to cover our overheads, in fact it would run us into a financial hole pretty quickly. We will need to find something else to do with the venue, either instead of running socially distanced events, or alongside them, otherwise we won't exist by 2022. Our newer venue, EartH in Dalston is already covering the costs of a massive restoration project as well as overheads so the situation is similar if not more difficult. Our best options at the moment seem to be to find something else to do with the spaces until we can reopen at 'usual' capacity, and to pursue live streaming. If we are successful and can protect the businesses and the leases on the venues through temporary alternative uses we may be able to run some events under the new rules alongside but they would all be likely to lose money in themselves.”
Dan Perrin Studio 338, London
“Nightclubs, festivals and music venues are taking on a huge financial burden in order to do our part in fighting COVID-19. This is our moral and civil duty. We have remained shut, followed all guidelines and understand that we need to be patient and responsible at this critical time. It cannot, however, be fair, or right, to rush our industry into reopening with restrictions and conditions which will inevitably lead to financial ruin for the vast majority.
Many of our overheads are fixed and cannot be scaled to make lower capacities viable. Not only that but the entire experience of going to enjoy music in a social, worry free environment, will be severely compromised and could cause permanent and terminal damage to live music in the U.K. - this is an issue which is unique to our industry......bringing people together is at the centre of what we do and have always done.
It seems to me that we should be sensible with the reintroduction of events. Do not rush to reopen them, but repay our support by protecting us until it is safe to reopen in a way which will bring London’s music scene bursting back into life rather than seeing all of the heritage and culture we are so famous for become a victim of the virus.
We do not expect to be making money right now, we are just about getting by and that is ok.....but to ask us to lose everything we have worked for seems grossly unfair. One thing is very clear: if clubs like Studio 338 are required to open at a vastly reduced capacity, with squares to separate dancers etc....that will mark the end of something very important to this city
With the exception of outdoor events....let’s wait a little longer, support us just a little longer, let’s not lose the soul of London for the sake of a few months. Venues like ours are the colour in many people’s lives and our reopening will be the ultimate sign of the world becoming recognisable again.
It’s important for everyone, venues and the public that it is done correctly with due consideration to what is possible, feasible and ensures people can actually enjoy themselves. That is the most important thing after all.”
Mike Grieve - SubClub. Glasgow
“Fundamentally I don’t see how social distancing can work in a nightclub setting, regardless of the size of the space. The very essence of club culture is about sharing emotion and excitement as a crowd in close physical contact with each other. That’s not to mention the practical difficulties of managing bar service, toilets, security searches etc. or the fact that most clubs need 90% + capacity to break even financially. Until we can reopen to 100% capacity I think clubs like ours will remain closed.”
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
Email: nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Mobile: 07957 434517