Belgrade Beer Festival: Music turned into background to drinking – Time

The highly anticipated Belgrade Beer Festival kicks off tonight, presenting a fresh concept this year that puts beer at the forefront rather than music, a departure from its usual style. There’s a notable shift with beer taking center stage, offering unlimited quantities to attendees and transforming what was traditionally a music festival into a celebration of drinking.

Various performers have had to make last-minute changes to their plans, with Vlatko Stefanovski confirming his withdrawal from the festival ten days prior, expressing his disinterest in participating. Dino Šaran from “Letu Stuka” echoed a similar sentiment, attributing the cancellations to the festival’s governmental ownership, highlighting the clash between concerts and club environments.

Despite the alterations in the lineup, the festival promises an exciting array of acts throughout its duration. While bands like “Dirty Theatre” and “Letu Stuka” will be absent on the opening night, “Valentino,” “Orthodox Celts,” E-play, Recover, and others step in to entertain the crowd. The following days are filled with an impressive collection of musical talents, including “Fish Soup,” “Moustache,” “Nipplepeople,” “Pax,” “Joker Out,” and more.

For those seeking a music-centric experience amidst the festivities, it’s advisable to scan the program to identify preferred acts. However, the “Belgrade Remains” movement has suggested boycotting this year’s Beer Festival, citing concerns about the event organizer’s affiliations and the perceived shift in focus towards unlimited beer consumption over pop-cultural enrichment.

The festival has faced criticism for its perceived abandonment of its original essence and its detrimental impact on Park Ušće. Despite the controversies, the Beer Festival continues to draw crowds, offering a platform for both local and international artists to showcase their talents in front of an enthusiastic audience. As the event unfolds, it will be interesting to see how attendees respond to this year’s unique approach and whether the festival’s new direction resonates with its loyal following or sparks further debate within the community.