The festival celebrated its 11th year by bringing together 45 music bands over 7 days at two different venues. It kicked off on Saturday, June 15, at Burgazada’s Cennet Bahçesi with a photography exhibition titled "Rhythms in the Frame". The event also hosted various activities, including design and zine booths, ceramic and tattoo workshops.
The "Byzantion" festival stood out as a joyful gathering for music and art lovers. It brought together non-mainstream audiences: the slackers, kinkys, outsiders, punks, and the open-minded artists of tomorrow. The festival provided a space for discovery, free socialization, and unique experiences.
Its primary goal was to offer a platform for emerging subculture music bands and to remind audiences of the existence of alternative cultures beyond dominant norms. Over the years, the event hosted more than 100 artists and music groups, numerous DIY design brands, zines, and an art exhibition titled "Mixed Tape".
For a decade, the festival ran independently without sponsors. It allocated most of its proceeds to the participating bands. To ensure inclusivity, ticket prices were kept as low as possible. For the organizers, rock 'n' roll meant far more than a commodified culture restricted to the middle and upper classes—it symbolized something much deeper. This festival prioritized culture and art over commerce.
