{"id":7555,"date":"2025-10-14T19:31:35","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T19:31:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/transferbarcelonalux.com\/?p=7555"},"modified":"2025-10-14T06:43:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T06:43:37","slug":"sonar-festival-2025-changes-ownership-new-era-for-barcelonas-iconic-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/transferbarcelonalux.com\/es\/sonar-festival-2025-changes-ownership-new-era-for-barcelonas-iconic-event\/","title":{"rendered":"S\u00f3nar Festival 2025 Changes Ownership | New Era for Barcelona\u2019s Iconic Event"},"content":{"rendered":"

Barcelona\u2019s world-famous S\u00f3nar Festival<\/strong> \u2014 a global symbol of music, creativity, and digital culture \u2014 is entering a new era<\/strong>. After 32 years of leadership<\/strong>, its original founders have officially stepped away, marking one of the biggest transitions in the festival\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

A New Chapter for S\u00f3nar<\/h3>\n

Founded in 1994 by Enric Palau, Ricard Robles, and Sergio Caballero<\/strong>, S\u00f3nar became one of Europe\u2019s most important festivals for electronic music and technology. Now, the festival\u2019s management passes to Superstruct Entertainment<\/strong>, an international event group backed by the U.S. investment firm KKR<\/strong>, led by Belgian entrepreneur Fran\u00e7ois Jozic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This change was announced shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 edition, sparking both excitement and debate among the creative community.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe are proud of what we\u2019ve built, and we trust that the new leadership will continue to innovate,\u201d said the founders in a joint statement.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The End of an Era \u2014 and a New Vision Ahead<\/h3>\n

The departure of the original team closes a chapter that defined S\u00f3nar as more than a festival. It was a laboratory for sound, visuals, and digital art \u2014 one that shaped Barcelona\u2019s modern cultural identity.<\/p>\n

Under the new ownership, S\u00f3nar promises to maintain its innovative DNA<\/strong> while expanding its global reach and digital presence. According to early statements, the 2026 edition will further integrate AI-driven creativity, immersive experiences<\/strong>, and a larger focus on sustainable event design.<\/p>\n

The 2025 Controversy<\/h3>\n

However, the transition did not come without turbulence. Earlier this year, several artists \u2014 including some headliners \u2014 withdrew from S\u00f3nar 2025, citing alleged financial links between KKR<\/strong> and controversial projects in occupied territories.<\/p>\n

In response, S\u00f3nar\u2019s organizers issued a public statement reaffirming the festival\u2019s independence and commitment to ethical transparency. Despite the boycott, the event attracted thousands of visitors, and its program remained largely intact.<\/p>\n

Looking Toward S\u00f3nar 2026<\/h3>\n

The next edition, S\u00f3nar 2026<\/strong>, is set for June 18\u201320, 2026<\/strong>, and will take place entirely at Fira Gran Via<\/strong> in L\u2019Hospitalet de Llobregat. The consolidation of S\u00f3nar by Day and S\u00f3nar by Night into a single location aims to create a smoother and more connected festival experience.<\/p>\n

Fans can expect:<\/p>\n