Arsenal Fest 2023: Massive Attack and Regional Music Spectacle in the Heart of Kragujevac
Get ready, because the 15th edition of Arsenal Fest in Kragujevac is not just any music event – it’s a blast of sound, emotions, and regional pride! From June 26 to 28, the Prince’s Arsenal transforms into the epicenter of the music scene with over 50 performers, including the legendary British band Massive Attack, who performed in Kragujevac for the first time and closed the festival’s opening night.
Opening Night: Zoster, Fraktal, and Massive Attack The first night was closed by the local band Zoster, but the real star was Massive Attack, pioneers of trip-hop from Bristol, who energized the crowd with their performance. Known for blending hip-hop, dub, and soul, Massive Attack have won numerous awards over their decades-long career, including the Brit Award for Best British Dance Act and MTV European Music Awards.
Also, the premiere of the song “Biska 8” was performed by the Kragujevac band Fraktal, accompanied by the choir of the First Kragujevac Gymnasium and guest keyboardist Marija Mihailović, daughter of the legendary Radomir Mihailović Točak. This composition, inspired by baroque music and with lyrics by Bora Horvat, was preserved for decades and finally had its festival debut.
Second Night: Regional Hits and Diverse Program The second night offered a rich program with performers like The Hu, Buč Kesidi, Senidah, Joker Out, and many others. The audience was entertained by numerous local and regional musicians, with three stages – Main Stage, Garden Stage, and Explosive Stage – buzzing with energy until the early morning.
Organization and Atmosphere Organizers ensured a pleasant experience for all visitors, with clear service information, a cashless payment system, and dedicated info and help points. Tickets were available at prices ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 dinars per day, with a full three-day pass costing 8,000 dinars.
Environmental Awareness at the Festival This year, Arsenal Fest also embraced social responsibility with support from Ball Corporation and the “Every Can Counts” project. Recycling bins for aluminum packaging were placed around the festival, and an art installation made from recycled cans decorated the festival grounds.
Why Arsenal Fest Matters This festival not only celebrates music but also regional culture and unity. Massive Attack, as global stars, raised the bar with their performance, showing that Kragujevac can host world-renowned music acts. Additionally, local bands and artists get a chance to showcase themselves to a wider audience, which is invaluable for the development of the regional music scene.
Conclusion If you missed Arsenal Fest this year, you really missed out! From premiere performances, through trip-hop legends, to regional hits and environmental awareness – the festival proved that music and culture can unite people and uplift community spirit. Next year, maybe you’ll be part of this musical adventure.
So, what do you think? Did Massive Attack live up to their iconic status? Which performance was your favorite? Drop a comment and let’s see who the real festival fan is!
More info: https://arsenalfest.rs/
