Festival in Rudolstadt 2025 concludes, welcoming a crowd of 90,000 attendees.
The Rudolstadt Festival, Germany's largest event for roots, folk, and world music, returned to Rudolstadt, Thuringia, after a hiatus, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors from July 3 to 6[1].
### Highlights of the Festival
The festival was a melting pot of legendary artists, vibrant newcomers, and diverse programming. Legendary South African pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim, whose music played a significant role in the anti-apartheid movement and Nelson Mandela's freedom struggle, performed[1]. The iconic Mestizomusik band Che Sudaka, formed by formerly illegal immigrants in Barcelona, delivered a unique blend of Latin American folklore, ska, reggae, and punk[1]. Germany’s longest-standing folk band Liederjan celebrated their 50th anniversary and announced their farewell from the stage by the end of the year[1].
Additional program elements such as street music, dance workshops, a Songposium, film screenings, and the integrated European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Folk Festival were also part of the festival[1][3]. A new film by Josephine Links, *We All Bleed Red*, premiered in Germany on July 4 at the festival[3].
### Emerging Talents and Mali in Focus
The festival included emerging artists alongside established names, including live performances broadcast on MDR Kultur and Deutschlandfunk Kultur radio, highlighting talents like Vieux Farka Touré and Mine[2]. Mali was the focus country for 2025, showcasing the rich music and culture of this West African nation through various performances and programs[3].
### The Youth Folkorchestra: A Traditional Touch
The Youth Folkorchestra, a group of 40 young people aged 12 to 26 who love folk music, made a comeback at the Rudolstadt Festival in 2024. They played traditional dance pieces and songs from all over Germany in three concerts[1].
### A Successful Return
The 33rd Rudolstadt Festival ended on Sunday with approximately 90,000 visitors. Despite the security concept setting a limit of a maximum of 20,000 daily visitors, the festival managed to attract a substantial crowd[1]. Festival Program Director Bernhard Hanneken expressed his delight about the new talent in the Youth Folkorchestra[1].
Sigrid Doberenz received an honorary "Ruth" for her lifetime achievement in folk dance promotion, and Ezé Wendtoin, a musician from Burkina Faso living in Dresden, received the World Music Award "Ruth"[1]. The balance sheet shows that pre-Corona attendance records are no longer being targeted[1].
Looking forward, the next edition of the Rudolstadt Festival will take place from 2nd to 5th July 2026[1].
[1] Rudolstadt Festival Official Website [2] MDR Kultur [3] RBB Kulturpalast
The Rudolstadt Festival showcased a blend of music, featuring legendary artists such as Abdullah Ibrahim, alongside emerging talents like Vieux Farka Touré and Mine, offering a mix of entertainment and diverse programming in roots, folk, and world music. During the festival, Germany’s longest-standing folk band Liederjan celebrated their 50th anniversary and announced their farewell, while the Youth Folkorchestra, a group of young enthusiasts, played traditional German tunes.
