Reading time: 2 minutes 
Summary for: Metronome Prague music fest to end after 10 years amid financial strainMetronome Prague is ending after a decade, with organizers confirming that the Czech capital will not host another edition of the international music festival.
Festival founders Martin Voňka and David Gaydečka attributed the decision primarily to long-running financial difficulties, insufficient attendance, and a lack of stable strategic partners.
“We are very sorry, but we will not organize another edition of Metronome Prague,” the organizers wrote on Facebook. “At this point, it means the end of a metropolitan festival tradition under the Metronome Prague brand.”
Organizers cite funding and operating difficulties
Metronome had struggled financially for several years, with organizers hoping each new edition would help stabilize the event.
They said metropolitan festivals face particular challenges and that, despite support from audiences and partners, Metronome failed to attract enough visitors or long-term sponsors to continue.
“We knew metropolitan festivals did not have it easy, but we believed that we could overcome the various obstacles in Prague,” organizers said.
They also pointed to difficulties securing sufficient and comprehensive support from Prague City Hall. While the municipality had provided encouragement and some assistance since the festival’s launch, organizers said it was not enough to develop the event sustainably.
Complaints over noise and other disruptions had also made it increasingly difficult to stage headline concerts in the evening and continue with indoor programming at night.
“The atmosphere, intensified by individual complainants, gradually complicated the organization of the event in recent years,” the statement said.
Organizers added that they had been unable to fulfill agreements and objectives they considered necessary for staging an international music festival in a major city.
Sting, Nick Cave, and Iggy Pop among past headliners
Metronome Prague debuted at Výstaviště Praha in Holešovice in 2016, with Iggy Pop, The Kooks, and Foals appearing at its inaugural edition.
The festival subsequently brought internationally known artists including Sting, Nick Cave, Liam Gallagher, Primal Scream, Underworld, Kraftwerk, Beck, and Manic Street Preachers to Prague.
Its 2026 edition moved to Letňany Airport, where Sting, Nick Cave, and Manic Street Preachers were the principal attractions.
Metronome sought to distinguish itself from traditional summer festivals by combining major international performers with Czech artists, visual art, public discussions, and programming focused on social issues.
Although the festival brand is ending, Voňka and Gaydečka said they intend to continue organizing concerts and other musical events.
“We are not saying goodbye,” they wrote. “On the contrary, we are preparing more music events for you. They will not be concentrated into a single weekend but will take place on different dates throughout the year.”
