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SZIGET FESTIVAL 'TO START NEW CHAPTER'

The Sziget Festival is starting a new chapter, the event's chief executive said, noting a recent announcement that US private equity fund KKR is purchasing Superstruct Entertainment, the company behind various European music festivals.
 

Tamás Kádár said the final day of the 30th Sziget on Monday was essentially sold out, with the concert of Skrillex and Fred Again… on the main stage, and a total of 400,000 festival-goers turned up this year. He noted an increase in passes sold in advance at a discount, adding that demand by Hungarians had also grown. The programme has adapted to the average age of festival-goers, he said, which had got younger in the past ten years. Whereas Kylie Minogue and Liam Gallagher attracted a somewhat older audience, the biggest stars included Stormzy, Bebe Rexha, Janelle Monae, Sam Smith and Raye, Kádár noted. He also said that Sziget was endeavouring to promote up-and-coming Hungarian performers as well as established stars, mentioning Azahriah and Beton.Hofi, who also played on the main stage this year. Besides the music and other offerings, he noted improved facilities and catering units, including blocks of flushing toilets, digital information boards and a greater number of drinking fountains.