Inside Starlight Festival’s Historic Debut at the Great Pyramids of Giza
Starlight Festival held its inaugural event at Egypt’s Great Pyramids of Giza on 9 and 10 October, staging the first multi-day, multi-stage electronic music festival at the site. The sold-out debut brought international audiences and regional performers together, and organisers say it could help establish Egypt as a destination for major music events.
More than 60 artists performed, including Charlotte de Witte, Michael Bibi and Pete Tong, with attendees from 114 countries. The event was the final stop on Serbian festival organiser EXIT’s international tour after it left its longtime home following public support for student-led protests in Serbia. Organisers have confirmed Starlight will return on 5 and 6 November 2027, with ambitions to create lasting opportunities for Egypt’s artists and creative industries.
- Starlight made its debut at the Great Pyramids of Giza.
- More than 60 artists performed for visitors from 114 countries.
- Organisers have announced a 2027 return.
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The Great Pyramids of Giza are ancient monuments on the outskirts of Cairo and among Egypt’s best-known heritage sites. They are also a major attraction for visitors, so large events there bring together questions of tourism, cultural heritage and how the site is used.
Starlight is an electronic music festival, and its organisers include Serbia’s EXIT festival, which has taken its events abroad after leaving its long-time home. The Giza event brought international performers and audiences together with artists from the region.
Organisers say the festival could help attract more major music events to Egypt and create opportunities for local artists and creative businesses. Its return will be watched as a test of whether a large festival can become a continuing part of the country’s cultural and visitor economy.