Indie Fest Returns in May

The much-anticipated “Indie Fest”, featuring musicians from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, has officially been rescheduled following its earlier postponement due to administrative delays. Organisers have confirmed that the concert will now take place on 8 May at the Courtside venue on Madani Avenue in Dhaka’s 100 Feet area.

The event was initially planned for 24 April, but had to be suspended at the last moment after failing to secure the necessary regulatory approvals. According to the organising company, Twenty Communications, all required permissions have now been obtained, allowing the festival to proceed with a revised schedule. The abrupt postponement had disappointed many ticket holders and music enthusiasts who were eagerly awaiting the cross-border showcase.

Under the updated arrangement, entry gates will open at 3:00 pm, while the main programme is scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm. Organisers are expecting a strong turnout, particularly from younger audiences, who have shown increasing interest in contemporary South Asian independent music.

The line-up brings together a diverse mix of emerging and established acts from across the region. Representing Pakistan are acclaimed singer Abdul Hannan and the band Bayaan. From India, experimental group Talpatar Shepai will take the stage, while Bangladesh will be represented by the band Level Five. The collaboration is being viewed as a significant cultural exchange, reflecting the growing popularity of alternative and indie music across South Asia.

Tickets, which had already gone on sale prior to the initial postponement, are now being reissued through the online platform Tickify. A range of pricing categories has been introduced to accommodate different audience segments, including student discounts and premium packages.

Event Overview

In recent years, large-scale international concerts in Bangladesh have been sporadic, largely due to regulatory complexities and security considerations. Several high-profile shows announced during the last winter season were ultimately cancelled, despite some foreign artists arriving in Dhaka. This has contributed to a sense of uncertainty within the live entertainment sector.

Notably, some visiting performers, including well-known regional artists, were unable to perform at scheduled events during previous visits, instead appearing at private functions. Against this backdrop, the successful staging of Indie Fest is being seen as a positive signal for the revival of international live music culture in the country.

Organisers remain optimistic that the revised edition will proceed without further disruption, offering audiences a seamless and immersive musical experience that highlights both regional collaboration and contemporary soundscapes.