Bilbao BBK: ‘Our focus is on maintaining our ID’
Bilbao BBK Live organisers have stressed the importance of festivals carving out their own identity after pulling 110,000 fans to its 2024 incarnation.
The Last Tour-promoted festival, which takes place in two mountains – Kobetamendi and Arraiz – averaged more than 35,000 fans per day from 11-13 July, with 26% travelling to the Basque capital from abroad.
“We are very satisfied and happy because we have made some improvements in terms of structures to improve comfort, visibility and we know that they have worked due to the positive comments received by the attendees,” Eva Castillo, director of communications at Last Tour, tells IQ.
“We continue to be attractive to new audiences – seven out of 10 attendees are between 18 and 39 years old – as well as keeping those who have been coming since the first edition. We also maintain the balance between the international public travelling from more than 50 countries, and the national-local public.”
Acts included Massive Attack, Grace Jones, The Prodigy, Jungle, Mulatu Astatke, Air, Ezra Collective, Los Planetas, MEUTE, Slowdive, Sen Senra, Maria José Llergo and Orbital.
“Every year it is more difficult to find headliners because there are so many festivals and so many artists are doing headline shows,” notes Castillo. “Even so, Bilbao BBK Live is an established and internationally recognised festival, which makes it easier.
“Our focus is always on maintaining the identity of the festival, which makes us unique and is the reason the public chooses us and decides to come to Bilbao for three days from any part of the world. We are working hard to minimise the environmental impact of the festival and increase its social impact.”
“The trend is to create festivals with a strong identity of their own: medium-sized, sustainable and committed to the territory where they are held”
Spain’s Last Tour provided shuttle services for ticket-holders to travel between the campsite and festival site, and also sought to reduce the Bilbao BBK Live’s carbon footprint by organising a walking tour, accompanied by a brass band. The festival also featured plastic-free, eco-friendly stage designs with wood linings and biomaterial compositions, while the BALORE (Basque for “values”) space highlighted its commitment to environmental and social causes.
“This year we have conducted several measurements to improve sustainability regarding the mobility of people attending the festival, which will help us improve this aspect in the next edition,” says Castillo. “Likewise, we hope to be able to apply the previously mentioned prototype with wind and solar energy in new scenarios. Similarly, we remain very attentive and closely follow all new talents, not only in music but also in other disciplines, especially those from the region, to give them visibility and continue reinforcing our identity.”
Furthermore, promoters adapted the site in an effort to improve the visitor experience.
“We have reduced visual noise by repositioning some structures and we have implemented the American FOH to improve the visibility of the San Miguel stage,” she says. “We already did this on the main stage in the previous edition with very good results.
“On the other hand, we are implementing different actions to reduce our environmental impact and increase our social impact. We have set up a prototype to measure the wind and solar energy we can generate for the stages. We are doing this project in collaboration with Repsol and have implemented it on the Txiki Stage.”
With Bilbao BBK set to return from 10-12 July 2025, Castillo also reflects on the common thread in the growth of the European sector in recent years.
“We believe that the trend is to create festivals with a strong identity of their own: medium-sized, sustainable and committed to the territory where they are held,” she finishes. “It is very important to think about all the parties involved: attendees, artists, brands, etc. We have been working in this way for years and we will continue along these lines.”
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Kalorama festival to launch in Madrid
Meo Kalorama, a Lisbon-based festival organised by Last Tour, has announced a new edition in Madrid, Spain.
The decision comes after the independent promoter axed its Spanish festival Cala Mijas, following a dispute with the local municipality.
Kalorama Madrid will take place at the Recinto Ferial Fairgrounds, sharing the same dates and lineup as its Portuguese counterpart.
Slated for 29–31 August, the twin festivals will feature performances from acts including Massive Attack, LCD Soundsystem, Death Cab For Cutie, The Postal Service, Sam Smith and The Smile.
Last Tour claimed that Mijas Town Hall failed to pay “significant amounts owed in sponsorship” for the 2023 edition
The new Madrid event comes after Cala Mijas was cancelled due to “repeated and serious [contractual] breaches” by the municipality.
The third annual edition was due to take place in Mijas, Málaga, on 29–31 August with a sold-out crowd.
However, Last Tour, which also organises Bilbao BBK Live and BIME, claimed that Mijas Town Hall failed to pay “significant amounts owed in sponsorship” for the 2023 edition.
“In addition to this, there are equally serious breaches, such as the lack of conditioning and provision of facilities at the venue,” reads a statement on the festival’s social media accounts.
In response, Mijas Town Hall said they have worked, “tirelessly to make progress on the 2024 edition of Cala Mijas without Last Tour showing any willingness to do so”. They maintain that they have reiterated, “the need to justify the investments, which should have been carried out since the festival started”.
“[We have] always shown its willingness and interest in the continuity of the festival but this must be balanced with its obligation to look after the public resources of the citizens.”
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Last Tour partners with discovery platform Fever
Spanish promoter Last Tour has formed a strategic alliance with live entertainment discovery platform Fever.
According to Last Tour – the promoter behind Bilbao BBK Live, Cala Mijas, BIME and Kalorama – the alliance will enable the company to “reach more and new audiences, in addition to promoting its expansion in LATAM, where Fever has experience in several territories”.
In addition, the agreement will allow Last Tour to “create synergies to expand its productions around the world”.
Fever is based in Madrid, Spain and New York, US and is led by Spaniards Ignacio Bachiller Ströhlein, Alexandre Perez Casares and Francisco Hein.
The platform makes personalised recommendations for users to enjoy unique, in-person local experiences such as immersive exhibitions, interactive theatrical experiences and festivals.
“It offers us the opportunity to carry out our activities more efficiently, to exchange knowledge, generate new opportunities”
The company is reportedly valued at $1.8 billion after its last funding round in February 2023, which was led by Goldman Sachs.
“This alliance is excellent news, as it merges the best of two outstanding companies: technology and entertainment,” says Alfonso Santiago, CEO of Last Tour.
“It offers us the opportunity to carry out our activities more efficiently, to exchange knowledge, generate new opportunities and the international development of both organisations.”
Francisco Hein, CMO and co-founder of Fever, adds: “This agreement is a significant step for us. Not only does it allow us to offer very high-quality musical content, but it also helps us to continue positioning ourselves as technological partners within the industry.”
Last Tour’s stable of events also includes Azkena Rock Festival, Donostia Festibala, Goxo, Navia Suena festival and Festival Santas Pascuas.
Bilbao BBK Live, Cala Mijas and BIME last year became the first festivals in Europe to receive B Corp certification.
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Last Tour reflects on Bilbao BBK Live triumph
Spanish independent promoter Last Tour has revealed that international sales helped drive a record year for its Bilbao BBK Live festival.
Held from 6-8 July, the festival’s 17th annual edition averaged crowds of 40,000 per day to see artists such as Florence + The Machine, Arctic Monkeys, The Chemical Brothers, Pavement and Idles, breaking the attendance record set in 2022.
Organisers say 35% of fans travelled from overseas, with 75 countries represented – led by the UK, France, the US, Germany and Italy. Three-day tickets sold out, along with passes for the final night headlined by Arctic Monkeys.
“It has been an excellent edition, and we are thrilled with the results,” Last Tour communication director Eva Castillo tells IQ. “The audience response has been great, and the changes we made, such as the new FOH setup and lower bar height, have been well-received.
“Throughout the year, we have worked on various improvements that have proven successful during the festival. We carefully listen to audience feedback each year to enhance their experience for the next edition, and they were pleased with the implemented improvements this time.”
“Diversity shone at the festival, with attendees of all kinds coexisting in the same natural space, creating a more inclusive, greener and cleaner event”
Earlier this year, the festival, along with Last Tour stablemates Cala Mijas and BIME, became the first in Europe to receive B Corp certification, joining the B Corp community – a global movement using the power of business to tackle social and environmental issues.
Day tickets for Bilbao BBK Live were priced €66, while three-day passes cost €164, or €182 plus camping. A total of €3 from each ticket was donated to help alleviate the effects of the 2022 fire at Mount Balmaseda in Enkarterri. Excess food was also donated to the Biscay Food Bank, and support was given to the migrant population through organisations such as Ongi Etorri Errefuxiatuak and KoopSF34.
Organisers also again dedicated their efforts to creating a space free from sexual assault with the EZ DA EZ (No means no) campaign, and introduced the Maite-Jokoa programme, promoting healthy relationships through sex education in entertainment venues.
“Diversity shone at the festival, with attendees of all kinds coexisting in the same natural space, creating a more inclusive, greener and cleaner event,” says Castillo. “Furthermore, 100 people with reduced mobility enjoyed the concerts from the new platform of Bilbao BBK Live, making the festival safe and accessible for everyone.
“Four young individuals from the LAN program, which is part of the Down Syndrome Foundation and other intellectual disabilities in the Basque Country, also gained valuable work experience during the festival.”
“The venue is unique, and this year it has been more present than ever”
Bilbao BBK Live takes place in two mountains: Kobetamendi, where the festival is held, and Arraiz, where the campsite is located, meaning mobility is a major challenge every year. In response, Last Tour provided free shuttle services operating continuously from Wednesday to Sunday.
“We also enhanced the bus services with reserved date and time slots and promoted a walking route, Kobetamendi Irteera, to reach the festival,” adds Castillo, who hails Kobetamendi as the festival’s “main headliner”.
“The venue is unique, and this year it has been more present than ever, thanks to the green decoration and the lightening of structures and stages,” she says. “Another highlight, as always, has been the audience, to whom we express our gratitude for their attitude and vitality. They have been respectful and mindful of the environment that hosts the festival, which helps us reduce the environmental impact with each edition.
“And of course, we want to acknowledge the bands and artists who have performed at the festival and delivered stellar performances, such as Florence + The Machine, Arctic Monkeys, Pavement and Phoenix.”
Bilbao BBK Live returns to Kobetamendi, Bilbao, from 11-13 July 2024.
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Last Tour festivals receive B Corp certification
Bilbao BBK Live, Cala Mijas and BIME have become the first festivals in Europe to receive B Corp certification.
The three festivals, which are part of the independent Spanish promoter Last Tour, join the B Corp community – a global movement using the power of business to tackle social and environmental issues.
Bilbao BBK Live, Cala Mijas and BIME were recognised after implementing actions to reduce their environmental impact, raise awareness for diversity and equality, as well as implement protocols to reduce sexual attacks on their events. The recognition follows two-year evaluation process and is granted to only 4% of the companies that apply.
“The goal of Last Tour is to be a cultural and social activist, with creativity and innovation at the core, to contribute to the cultural development and co-creation of a society to which we feel committed,” says Last Tour CEO Alfonso Santiago.
“This recognition encourages us to maintain high standards where we constantly revisit our goal for social transformation”
“We stand committed to the B Corp standards while being recognised for the work we developed across the last 20 years. This recognition encourages us to maintain high standards where we constantly revisit our goal for social transformation while developing an economically viable business plan by acting proactively and responsibly in those territories where we are present.”
Bilbao BBK Live’s contribution to the community and the economic impact on the city of Bilbao were also key factors in the B Corp community, with its employment of local teams, donations for forest reforestation and aid to disadvantaged groups through the Bizkaia Food Bank, Ukraine Euskadi and other local support organisations all highlighted.
Cala Mijas was acknowledged for its social commitment and actions that include alliances with organisations such as Basic Income, promoting the development of people at risk of exclusion or the NGO Equilibrio Marino which seeks to protect the Calahonda Special Conservation Zone in the region of Mijas, Malaga.
Meanwhile, BIME, a non-profit project run by the Creative Industries Foundation was singled out for its organisational awareness in terms of horizontality, collaboration, flexibility, inclusion and parity.
In alignment with the B Corp guidelines, Bilbao BBK Live, Cala Mijas and BIME will continue to review internal policies for constant improvement while also consolidating their commitment to the 2023 Agenda, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Global Compact.
Last Tour’s management team has also made a commitment to environmental and social performance, which is included a new clause in the company’s byelaws.
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Major fests confirm new blockbuster acts for 2023
Major festivals including Boardmasters (UK), MEO Kalorama (PT), Fest Festival (PL), NOS Alive (PT) and Orange Warsaw (PL) have revealed new names for their 2023 editions.
Boardmasters music and surfing festival in the UK has unveiled the first wave of more than 30 acts, including two headline performers, for next year.
Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher and Florence + The Machine will headline the festival in Newquay, Cornwall, on 9–13 August 2023.
Other acts announced for the Superstruct-backed event include Little Simz, Four Tet, Example, Dylan, Bob Vylan, Cassyette, Kid Kapichi, Jockstrap, Connie Constance, Gwenno, Katachafire, Gretel Hänlyn and Wunderhorse.
The festival, which usually attracts about 50,000 people, is held at Watergate Bay and Fistral beach.
Liam Gallagher and Florence + The Machine will headline Boardmasters
Organisers said “tens of thousands” had already signed up for pre-sale tickets before the general release on Friday (25 November).
Elsewhere, Portugal’s MEO Kalorama is set to return to Bela Vista Park in Lisbon between 31 August and 12 September, after a successful debut.
The second edition of the 40,000-capacity event will feature acts including Arcade Fire, Florence and the Machine, Foals and Metronomy.
The Blaze, Amyl and the Sniffers are also slated to perform at the event, which is promoted by House of Fun and Last Tour – the cultural company behind events such as Bilbao BBK Live, Azkena Rock Festival, Cala Mijas and BIME Live.
Elsewhere in Portugal’s festival market, NOS Alive‘s first artist confirmation is American rock duo Black Keys.
The second edition of MEO Kalorama will feature Arcade Fire, Florence and the Machine, Foals and Metronomy
The 15th edition is due to take place between 6–8 July 2023 held in the Algés riverside, close to Lisbon.
This year’s NOS Alive, promoted as usual by Everything Is New, welcomed 210,000 people over four days and 165 artists across seven stages.
Poland’s 2023 festival summer is also shaping up, with Fest Festival and Orange Warsaw detailing their forthcoming editions.
The fourth annual Fest Festival will see performances from the likes of The Chemical Brothers, 070 Shake, Gibbs, Oki, Oliver Heldens, Rubens, The Stickmen Project, Two Feet and Yungblud.
The 50,000-capacity event will once again return to Chorzów’s Silesia Park – the largest park in Europe – between 9 and 13 August, 2023. Fest Festival is promoted by Follow The Step, which also stages On Air festival in Warsaw.
Poland’s capital will also see the return of Orange Warsaw next year, taking place at the Horsetrack Warsaw-Służewiec between 2 and 3 June.
English superstar Sam Smith has been confirmed for the 14th edition of the 10,000-capacity event, promoted by Alter Art (Open’er, Krakow Live).
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Bilbao promoter unveils second new European fest
Last Tour, the Spanish festival organiser and concert promoter behind Bilbao BBK Live, has announced a new festival in Lisbon, Portugal.
Organised alongside Portuguese promoter House of Fun, Kalorama will debut between 1–3 September at Bela Vista Park, one of Lisbon’s biggest urban parks.
The festival shares its date and the majority of its line-up with the Last Tour’s new Spanish festival, Cala Mijas.
Kalorama and Cala Mijas will be the Arctic Monkeys’ only festival appearances in Portugal and Spain, respectively, in 2022.
Kalorama and Cala Mijas will be the Arctic Monkeys’ only festival appearances in Portugal and Spain, respectively, in 2022
Kraftwerk, The Chemical Brothers, James Blake, Chet Faker, Róisín Murphy, Bonobo and Blossoms are also confirmed to play both festivals.
Last Tour previously set out a commitment to follow the guidelines of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with Cala Mijas, “both in its execution and in the way its values and importance are promoted”.
“The event’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and to the environment of the municipality of Malaga is one of the fundamental pillars of Cala Mijas. To that end, it will base its ideals, strategies, and actions on a transversal model with measures ranging from ensuring social inclusion and complete transparency in all its processes to the promotion of local commerce, and a workflow designed to optimise and reuse all available resources,” reads a statement on the festival’s website.
Last Tour’s stable of events also includes Azkena Rock Festival, Donostia Festibala, BIME Live, Goxo, Navia Suena festival and Festival Santas Pascuas.
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Bilbao promoter announces new festival in Spain
Spanish festival organiser and concert promoter Last Tour is adding a new international festival to its stable of events.
The inaugural Cala Mijas festival will take place between 1–3 September in the picturesque municipality of Mijas, Málaga, with a number of high-profile acts.
Arctic Monkeys will return to Spain for the first time in four years to headline the Cala Mijas for what will be their only festival appearance in the country in 2022.
Kraftwerk, Chet Faker, Blossoms and Hot Chip have also been announced to perform at the festival.
Last Tour has also set out a commitment to follow the guidelines of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with Cala Mijas, “both in its execution and in the way its values and importance are promoted”.
Arctic Monkeys will return to Spain for the first time in four years for their only appearance in the country in 2022
“The event’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and to the environment of the municipality of Malaga is one of the fundamental pillars of Cala Mijas. To that end, it will base its ideals, strategies, and actions on a transversal model with measures ranging from ensuring social inclusion and complete transparency in all its processes to the promotion of local commerce, and a workflow designed to optimise and reuse all available resources,” reads a statement on the festival’s website.
Three-day passes cost just €80 for those who sign up for an exclusive presale on 29 November.
Last Tour’s stable of events also includes Bilbao BBK Live, Azkena Rock Festival, Donostia Festibala, BIME Live, Goxo, Navia Suena festival and Festival Santas Pascuas.
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