ECESR files a suit to suspend large-scale concerts at the Giza Pyramids, citing risk to heritage from loud music, lasers, and heavy setups

A push to suspend large-scale music events near the Giza Pyramids hasentered into the spotlight as rights advocates take a new step to protect cultural heritage. The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) has filed a lawsuit calling for the suspension of big concerts at the Giza Pyramids.

The suit, filed by ECESR on behalf of Dr. Monica Hanna, an Egyptologist and Assistant Professor of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage; Sally Salah El-Din, a tour guide and independent researcher; and Malek Adly, a cassation lawyer and advocate for the protection of cultural heritage, argues that loud parties, lasers, and heavy stage setups threaten the integrity of the 4,500-year-old monuments, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

It further alleges that vibrations from powerful sound systems are “capable of destabilising the ancient stone structures,” while laser lighting rigs fail to comply with international standards for “illumination at heritage sites.”

The filing comes in the wake of several major music events at the pyramids, with headliners including Carl Cox, Keinemusik, and most recently, Anyma. Anyma’s show drew more than 15,000 attendees, including around 4,000 Egyptians and 11,000 foreign tourists.

The lawsuit is directed at Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and the Governor of Giza, claiming that authorities have neglected their legal obligation to shield the site from temporary and permanent excavation and construction works carried out to facilitate these events.

The plaintiffs warn that neglecting the site could damage Egypt’s tourism reputation and create a negative image regarding compliance with international standards for heritage site management.

Dušan Kovačević, founder of EXIT Festival, is reportedly in the process of arranging the first-ever multi-day, multi-stage festival at the historic site, with a planned launch in October 2026. News of the venture comes as EXIT Festival leaves Serbia due to “financial and political pressures.”

The situation rekindles the ongoing debate over balancing cultural heritage protection with the needs of modern entertainment. How can the security and integrity of a symbolic site like the Pyramids be safeguarded while enabling a meaningful contribution to the local economy? The question for authorities and stakeholders remains: how can a model be built that adheres to international heritage standards and supports tourism revenue in a sustainable way?

Upcoming steps and official statements will likely shape new standards and their implementation in this domain. UNESCO and similar bodies’ heritage management principles will continue to be central to discussions about how to foster dialogue and safe planning among involved parties.