Arsenal Fest returns to Kragujevac with guitar‑heavy lineup, Bajaga honored

The 16th edition of Arsenal Fest will take place from 25 to 27 June 2024 in the Knežev Arsenal complex in Kragujevac, Serbia. Organisers say the festival is shifting back to a stronger guitar‑focused sound, featuring bands such as Paradise Lost, Sonata Arctica, Destruction, Napalm Death and Cockney Rejects. International acts include The Cardigans and the legendary British electronic trio Underworld, while regional performers such as Jakov Jozinović and Artan Lili will appear on the Main Stage.

Due to a serious injury, singer Ana Đurić (Konstrakta) has withdrawn; her slot on 26 June is being filled by the noise‑pop group Artan Lili. The DJ Explosive Stage has moved after a heritage‑safety assessment from the old Čaurnica hall to the courtyard of the Top Pivnice brewery. On the ceremony night, Momčilo Bajagić “Bajaga” received the annual Mikica Zdravković award in memory of the festival’s co‑founder; the award was accepted by his manager after Bajaga’s mother passed away.

Ticket sales continue, with cashless cards available for entry. More than 50 performers from Serbia, the region and abroad are scheduled to play over the three‑day event.