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Showtime on the big festival stage with rock, pop, theatre and acrobatics
Rock and participatory pop-punk, indie sounds from Norway, street theater, face painting, and acrobatics – the "Volk im Schloss" attracted thousands of visitors to Dornberg Castle in Groß-Gerau from August 22nd to 24th, 2025. After a forced hiatus, the cultural spectacle celebrated a successful comeback. "We're back," was the conclusion of District Administrator Thomas Will and Head of Cultural Affairs Jochen Melchior.
Festival atmosphere against a historical backdrop
Dornberg Castle, first documented in 1236 and a festival venue since 2012, once again provided the setting for the cultural weekend. Around 7,500 guests enjoyed a diverse program over three days – made possible by the efforts of approximately 80 volunteers.
"There really was something for everyone," Melchior concluded. Swing from the 1920s by the Rubinettes , the British folk-punk band Skinny Lister , the Norwegian quintet Kakkmaddafakka , rock from the up-and-coming band De Break , the Seeed tribute band Music Monks , the Groß-Gerau-based group Mission Possible , the Colombian band Doctor Krapula , and musician Gringo Mayer all contributed to a lively atmosphere. Street theater, acrobatics by the "Artistocrats," and the play "Babylon by Night" rounded out the program.
Culture, participatory activities and awards
Even the youngest guests had a great time: balloon art by Rita Wiebe, games offered by the Auszeit eV , face painting by the Nestflüchter group , and live graffiti art by ALIENGRAFF, SMOK, and CAZO YOURS . Fittingly, the Büttelborn Youth Wind Orchestra was also awarded the cultural promotion prize .
Financing secured – Outlook for 2026
The festival is supported by the district, the South Hesse Cultural Summer program , and sponsors such as the airport foundation, Lotto Hessen, and Edeka Boßler. "The festival costs each resident of the district approximately 18 cents," Melchior calculated. District Administrator Will emphasized at the ceremonial tapping of the first keg: "That we can enjoy such a cultural program with free admission is not something to be taken for granted."
Planning for next year is already underway. The date is set: August 21st to 23rd, 2026 .
( GROSS-GERAU DISTRICT – RED/PSGG)
Featured image: Great atmosphere, great program: "Volk im Schloss" (People in the Castle) once again delighted audiences this year. The Norwegian quintet "Kakkmaddafakka" rocked the main stage on Saturday. Impressions of the festival can be seen in a video available on the district's YouTube channel. Photo: Frank Meißner
