LIVE Viacom18, the makers of Vh1 Supersonic – one of the most prominent
EDM festivals that used to take place in Goa in the month of December, has
issued an official statement suggesting that the organisers have pulled out of
Goa. The fourth edition of the festival will now be held in Pune, in February
next year. The three day long festival is scheduled to take place on February
10, 11, and 12, 2017.
It is interesting to note that this statement comes after tourism
minister Dilip Parulekar had announced his unwillingness to grant permissions
to EDM festivals between December 15 and January 15, a few months ago. The
reason for this was the common feeling among the locals that the pressure put
on public infrastructure and unprecedented traffic congestion, is not worth the
revenue earned from their yearly presence. Parulekar, in an official statement
had said, “We are seriously thinking not to allow mega events like EDM
festivals between December 15 and January 15 every year as the state witnesses
a rush of tourists during that time who arrive here to usher in the New Year.”
According to the organisers, Vh1 Supersonic has earlier hosted Vh1
Supersonic Arcades in Pune, with headliners by Above & Beyond, Dash Berlin
and Pretty Lights, to name a few, and has consistently received an overwhelming
response. The multicultural and cosmopolitan environment of the city
facilitates understanding and appreciation of other cultures. The city also
boasts of a rich infrastructure that supports commute from metros across India,
thereby making travel convenient for outstation attendees.
Commenting on the shift in venue, Saugato Bhowmik, Head, LIVE Viacom18,
said, “Carrying a legacy of offering the best in dance music, we are excited to
host the upcoming edition of Vh1 Supersonic in Pune. Deeply-rooted in culture
and traditions, the city is known for its openness towards modern influences
and thought. Pune is a seamless blend of local culture and global influences,
thereby making it an apt destination for the upcoming edition of Vh1
Supersonic! We also see this as an ongoing journey to provide transformative
experiences to today’s youth by creating the Supersonic world at the kind of
world-class destinations that Pune is providing to us. We are looking forward
to a very successful Vh1 Supersonic, celebrating Pune as our new home.”
In the past, the music festival has brought to India some of the greats
from the international world of EDM such as Skrillex, Axwell, Zedd, W&W,
Steve Aoki Paul Van Dyk, Above & Beyond, The Chainsmokers, Dash Berlin and
many more.
