We celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bilbao BBK Live, consolidating a model of culture that is accessible, inclusive, and connected with Bizkaia.

Consolidating a model of accessible, inclusive culture connected to Bizkaia

Music has echoed strongly once again in Kobetamendi, but the true success of this 20th anniversary of Bilbao BBK Live has been its ability to go beyond the stages.

In a historic edition marked by the festival’s designation as an Event of Exceptional Public Interest (AEIP) and a model aligned with Last Tour’s B Corp standards we at BBK have reinforced our strategic alliance to place people, inclusion, and social sustainability at the heart of the celebration.

A Venue Open to Everyone: The Value of Solidarity Visits

One of the pillars of this social commitment was experienced through the “Shared Culture Experiences.” This initiative, which we championed alongside Gertu Kultura, allowed vulnerable groups or individuals with functional diversity to enjoy the festival from the inside through guided, adapted, and accompanied behind-the-scenes visits.

Through the Solidarity Visits, we opened the festival’s doors so that people in vulnerable situations or with functional diversity could enjoy the experience in an accessible and supported way. Groups from organizations such as the Osakidetza Mental Health Network, Bizitegi, Red Cross, Cáritas Bizkaia, Gaude, Lagun Artean, EDE Fundazioa, and Amiarte toured the venue, making stops at the stages, backstage, and the BALORE Space a meeting point to promote equality, inclusion, and environmental sustainability in Kobetamendi.

Our commitment to the region’s social fabric was also reflected in key local alliances, such as the collaboration with the Eragintza Foundation for laundry services, supporting the social and professional integration of people with mental health conditions, the contributions to the Bizkaia Food Bank, and the joint work with the Basque Country Down Syndrome Foundation.

Coexistence, Respect, and Safe Spaces

To ensure the festival remains a space of freedom and mutual respect, this edition adhered to the Festival Pact against sexual violence and hate crimes.

Additionally, it was integrated into the Basque safe-point network Points Sarea (for the LGBTI+ community, promoted by Ortzadar LGBTI Elkartea) and maintained its collaboration with ANITZAK, reinforcing safety, care, and support for all attendees.

Bringing Music to the Entire City with the New “EUSKARAZ!” Initiative and the Success of “Bereziak”

The celebration of these two decades of history has spread with great force throughout the entire city. The major highlight of this year was EUSKARAZ!, a new free-access initiative that transformed downtown Bilbao into a celebration of our language, local creation, and emerging voices from the Basque (euskaldun) music scene. Artists like Korrontzi, Bengo, XSakara, Eider Saez, Afrika Bibang, and Artean filled iconic spaces—such as the Isozaki Towers, the Arenal Kiosk, and the Albia Gardens with rhythm, demonstrating the value of Euskera as a vehicle for artistic expression and community celebration.

This initiative was joined by the well-established Bereziak cycle, which has been connecting the urban pulse with the summit of Kobetamendi since 2011. With a diverse lineup that included the opening concert by José González at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and performances by bands like Belén Aguilera, Ana Curra, or Merina Gris in squares, indoor venues, and dynamic stages along the estuary, the festival has once again shared its spirit with all citizens.

With the closing of this twentieth edition, we at BBK reaffirm that culture is one of the most powerful tools to transform our environment, generate social impact, and continue building a more cohesive and sustainable region.