17 March,2026 02:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Talwiinder and Himesh Reshammiya (right)
The first edition of the UN40 Music Festival concluded on a high note at NICE Grounds in Bengaluru, drawing close to 18,000 people over two days.
The event brought together music, comedy, food, and interactive experiences, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for attendees.
Organised by Saregama Live, the festival was designed to go beyond the idea of a traditional concert and offer a full-day immersive experience.
UN40 was curated as a space where entertainment extended beyond the main stage. Alongside live music performances, the venue featured creator-led comedy acts, interactive games, gaming zones, and curated food stalls.
A major highlight was the buzzing beer garden, which hosted the FilterCopy pre-game party and additional creator performances. Every section of the venue offered something unique, encouraging visitors to explore and engage with different experiences throughout the day.
The festival featured a wide mix of artists across both days, keeping the crowd engaged with varied musical styles. Performers included Aditya Rikhari, Shalmali Kholgade, Paradox, Pragati Nagpal, Raja Kumari, Reble, Thaikkudam Bridge, Paal Dabba and Maahi, among others.
Day 1 ended with a high-energy headline performance by Himesh Reshammiya, who had the audience singing along to his popular tracks. On Day 2, Talwiinder took over the stage, delivering a performance that brought the festival to a memorable close.
Beyond music and performances, the festival stood out for its unique and feel-good elements. Attendees enjoyed small but thoughtful experiences spread across the venue were roaming masseuses offering quick relaxation breaks, surprise shots being served in the crowd, photographers capturing candid moments, and interactive activities popping up at different corners.
These elements encouraged people to pause, participate, and fully enjoy the festival atmosphere with friends, making the experience more personal and engaging.
Speaking about the idea behind the festival, Siddharth Anand Kumar, Executive Vice President - Films, Series and Events at Saregama, said that audience expectations from live entertainment are changing.
He explained that people today want more than just performances, they seek complete experiences. With UN40, the goal was to create a festival where visitors could spend the entire day discovering something new, whether it was music, comedy, food, games, or spontaneous moments. He added that it was rewarding to see audiences embrace this concept over the two days.
With a strong turnout and enthusiastic response, the debut edition of the UN40 Music Festival has established itself as a fresh addition to Bengaluru's live entertainment scene.
Building on this success, organisers have already announced that the festival will return for its second edition in February 2027, promising an even larger and more dynamic celebration of music, culture, and shared experiences.
