Elbhangfest 2025: Uproar over safety requirements – This is how it continues!

Elbhangfest 2025: Uproar over safety requirements – This is how it continues!

The 32nd Elbhangfest, which will take place from June 27th to 29th, 2025, faces a major challenge. The motto of this year's festival is “Faith and the Grape”, and the celebrations are part of the anniversary events marking the 300th birthday of the Weinbergkirche in Pillnitz. The festival runs along the picturesque Pillnitzer Landstrasse from Laubegast to Pillnitz and attracts visitors with a varied program.

But it seems that the organizers of the Elbhangfest have a rocky road ahead of them. Shortly before the event, the city published requirements for protection against terrorism, which the non-profit organization could hardly manage. The club cannot cope with the financial burden of around 40,000 euros for the security measures. [Saxony] reports that the city is passing on the costs of the necessary “terror-proof” road closure, which costs 12,000 euros, to the association.

Criticism of city regulations

The requirements, which came into force around eight weeks before the festival, include, among other things, securing access routes with terrorist barriers and constant checks for incoming vehicles. These measures, which mean that vehicles are not allowed to enter the festival grounds during the events, were criticized by the organizers as unreasonable. Pillnitzer Landstrasse, which is normally closed for the festival, will remain open this year. This means that the organizers have to forego a significant restriction in order to ensure the safety of visitors.

Despite the challenges, there are bright spots. Around 250 artists are expected at 80 different performance locations, 71 of which will take place in private gardens or church property. The Pillnitz Castle Park will also open to guests until 10 p.m. for the first time. For just 10 euros, supporters of the festival can purchase a bracelet that allows them to participate in the festival free of charge.

A colorful program for everyone

The program of the Elbhangfest is diverse and includes concerts, a wine village, craft markets and a German premiere of the “Moiré Experience”. Particularly noteworthy are the performances by the band “La Fanfarria del Capitan” and the final concert in the Weinbergkirche. With more than 170 individual events at 68 venues, guests are offered an exciting experience. The highlight of the festival is a circular hiking trail with 25 stations that highlights the history of the vineyard church and includes interactive children's puzzles.

So if you are in Dresden in the last week of June, stop by! The Elbhangfest, which is a tradition in the region, will offer you the opportunity to experience the local culture and community up close.

Further information about the festival program and support for the Elbhangfest can be found on the festival's official website: Elbhangfest.de.

This year, the Elbhangfest will once again be a showcase for the liveliness and creativity of the region. Let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere and enjoy a celebration for the whole family!

For more detailed information and news about any changes, please also visit Tag24 or [Saxony].