Music festival in Ulm: Joy and criticism - what remains after the storm?

Music festival in Ulm: Joy and criticism - what remains after the storm?

The anticipation was great when the German music festival took place in Ulm and Neu-Ulm from May 29 to June 1, 2025. The event was under the motto "Music building bridges", a slogan that was supposed to symbolize the connection between brass music and game music as well as between young and old. According to Feuerwehrverband , over 150 music groups had registered and the festival offered numerous musical contributions that should celebrate the community of the two neighboring cities.

Overall, visitors experienced a colorful program with music from different genres and styles. Although the mood was fantastic in many places, there were also critical voices. One visitor described the festival as the "worst" music festival, a judgment that has weight in view of the high expectations that are placed on such a major event. There was also an unexpected setback during the festival: a planned evening with the Bundeswehr Big Band had to be canceled due to unpredictable circumstances. Schwäbische reports that many music enthusiasts were particularly disappointing.

challenges during the festival

The critical feedback on the construction sites in the city, which disturbed the enjoyment of music, was particularly negative. The noise from the Gänstorbrücke was a real annoyance for many and led to resentment among those present. In addition, several participants expressed that the long distances between the different event locations and the poor signage clouded the experience. The organization also had to carry out the festivities on Münsterplatz without seating, which was a challenge for older visitors.

Despite all of this there were also positive voices. Matthias Dolb from the Blasmusik-Kreisverband Ulm Alb/Donau praised the organization and the atmosphere in the city. Anita Huhn, Managing Director of the BDMV, also confirmed that the event as a whole had run smoothly, even if construction sites and distances between venues were noted.

look into the future

The mixed feelings about the event show that there is always a certain risk of such events. Critics want the experiences gained with regard to the organization to be used for future events. The time for the next Federal Music Festival was already set to 2031. Under the motto "Music build bridges!" If you want to build on the successful concept and seek further ways of musical networking and understanding between the citizens.

Thanks to such major events such as the German Music Festival, the region has the opportunity to develop culturally and to offer a platform for music culture. The next edition, in which over 6000 musicians gave an impressive final concert on the last day, should offer the opportunity to learn from the experience and to put new impulses. One goal could be not only to combine people through music, but also by creating an unforgettable experience.

Further information can be found on the official website www.deutsches-musikfest.de where interested music lovers and groups can register for future events.