Enter rock arena for Exit festival

THERE'S still time to pick up the good vibes at this year's Exit music fest in Serbia. Elise Carr reports on the line-up at Europe's 'best festival'.

VISITING Europe to escape the winter chill is always appealing, and outdoor summer events are a must, especially Serbia's Exit Fest.

One of the most renowned music events in Europe, Exit won the 2007 Best European Festival.

The festival takes place in the stunning surroundings of the ancient Petrovaradin Fortress on the banks of the river Danube.

It attracts about 250,000 people from all around the world and some of the best names in the music industry, who strut their stuff in Serbia's most evocative and energetic arenas.

This year more than 600 performances will take place on 25 stages, with artists of all genres. From rock, rap and dance, to drum and bass, classical and chill.

Running from July 10-14 in the city of Novi Sad, the main stage will come alive with an eclectic array of bands, including the Sex Pistols, N.E.R.D, The Hives and Deep Dish.

Other arenas with extensive line-ups include The Dance, Converse Fusion and Explosive Stage, and the NIS World Music stage, where festival-goers can dance, party and enjoy, from 7pm until 7am.

Exit is a wild carnival of exceptional music and celebration where you can watch the sun come up over Petrovaradin Fortress while dancing to thumping base or smooth lyrics and drums.

The location, vibrancy and enthusiasm of performances make Exit an extraordinary music experience for all the senses.

It continues to rapidly gain more international recognition, proving music is a universal language to connect people from all over the world.

Running every year since 2000, Exit is more than the best party in the Balkans; it is committed to make a difference.

The organisation's impact on society and the political agenda are paramount to the overall event.

Starting as an artistic remedy to the bleak Milosevic regime, it has since grown into Europe's biggest and most vibrant musical celebration, with every year aimed at supporting a social cause, from economic pressure to youth unemployment.

International support from press, radio and TV, such as MTV, and numerous artists, has fuelled Exit's voice for the people as much as making it an annual highlight.

What the artists say

"Exit was more than we could have expected it to be. The audience was exceptional and the setting was breathtaking. I hope they have us back sometime."
Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand)

"Serbia, we had no idea what to expect and it was an amazing show, the crowd was fantastic and we can't wait to come back."
Ana Matronic (Scissor Sisters)

"Serbia was fantastic. We all really enjoyed it - the audience was amazing and it was the best show on the tour so far."
Billy Idol

The Sunday Times