Serbian festival organizer EXIT withdraws from Nexus event at Kyrenia Castle

Serbian event organizer EXIT has officially withdrawn from the Nexus electronic music festival, which was scheduled to take place at Kyrenia Castle on September 18. The decision followed intense political and diplomatic pressure originating from the Republic of Cyprus, particularly from Elam MEP Geadis Geadi, who argued that hosting an international event at the historic site in the occupied north would contribute to the normalization of the situation there.

EXIT, known for its focus on social cohesion, stated that it originally intended for the festival to foster peace and unity on the divided island. However, the organization admitted it had underestimated the sensitivity of the local political and historical context. Following discussions with the organizers, which included contact with Serbian government officials and legal representatives, the company issued a formal apology, noting that it did not want its brand to be used to deepen divisions between communities. The lineup for the cancelled event included prominent electronic acts such as Eric Prydz, Mathame, Baset, and ANII. The cancellation marks a significant outcome for political figures who campaigned against the project's location.