The event has international status and is aimed at developing the tourism sector.
Today in parliament, Bolot Sagynaev, a deputy, expressed dissatisfaction with the international festival KOLFEST. In his opinion, the festival contradicts traditional values and promotes LGBT ideas.
“Some participants were in traditional headgear, danced without clothes, and there were instances that do not conform to generally accepted moral norms. After the festival ended, syringes were found, indicating possible drug use,” emphasized Sagynaev, calling for the ban of this event.
In response to the criticism, the KOLFEST team released a statement.
“The organizers of the international festival of music and arts KOLFEST respect public discussions and consider it important to clarify information related to the festival.
KOLFEST is an open cultural festival that brings together music, contemporary art, and cultural projects, attracting guests from different countries. Since its inception in 2019, artists from over 18 countries have performed on the festival stages, and it has welcomed more than 10,000 guests from 30 countries. This event has become a platform for cultural exchange and the development of creative industries in Kyrgyzstan.
The festival takes place on private property, not on public venues or beaches. All events are organized within the rented territory and are conducted in compliance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The festival team interacts in advance with government bodies and security services, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Drug Control Agency, and the National Security Committee, meaning they collaborate with local authorities, security services, and medical institutions ensuring order during the event.
For us, it is important:
- compliance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic
- the safety of participants and guests
- respect for the culture and traditions of the country
- responsible management of the festival space
KOLFEST is an international cultural event that promotes the development of tourism, art, and creative industries in Kyrgyzstan, attracting guests from different countries every year.
In 2025, the KOLFEST team conducted an international promotional tour, representing Kyrgyzstan and the festival at various cultural and music events around the world.
In Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, meetings were held with the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic on event tourism and collaboration with a tourism company and the UR_MU (Urban Museum) gallery network.
In Estonia, Tallinn, a presentation of Kyrgyzstan and KOLFEST was held at Tallinn Music Week.
In Germany, Berlin, a radio show about the festival aired on Refuge Worldwide, along with a live performance by Kyrgyz musicians.
In Russia, Moscow, KOLFEST took 1st place at the international BEMA! (Best Experience Marketing Awards) in the category of "International Festival".
In the USA, Fayetteville, the festival participated in the Music Cities Convention and took 3rd place at the Music Cities Awards.
These actions contribute to strengthening Kyrgyzstan's international presence in cultural, tourism, and creative sectors.
We are open to dialogue and ready to provide the necessary information to government bodies, partners, and the public.
We are convinced that the truth and justice, rather than personal opinions, will soon be known to the public,” the statement reads.
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