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Showtime on the big festival stage with rock, pop, theater and acrobatics
Rock and interactive 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 Cultural Office Director Jochen Melchior.
Festival atmosphere against a historic 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 dedication of approximately 80 volunteers.
"There really was something for everyone," Melchior concluded. 1920s swing from 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 band Mission Possible , the Colombian band Doctor Krapula , and musician Gringo Mayer ensured a lively atmosphere. Street theater, acrobatics from the "Artistocrats," and the play "Babylon by Night" rounded out the program.
Culture, participation activities and awards
The younger guests also had a great time: balloon art by Rita Wiebe, games offered by the Auszeit eV , face painting by Nestflüchter , and live graffiti art by ALIENGRAFF, SMOK, and CAZO YOURS . In keeping with the festival, 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 Southern Hesse Cultural Summer , and sponsors such as the Airport Foundation, Lotto Hessen, and Edeka Boßler. "The festival costs each resident in the district approximately 18 cents," Melchior calculated. District Administrator Will emphasized at the tapping ceremony: "The fact that we can enjoy such a cultural program with free admission is not something we can take for granted."
Planning for next year is already underway. The date is set: August 21–23, 2026 .
( GROSS-GERAU DISTRICT – RED/PSGG)
Featured image: Great atmosphere, great program: "Volk im Schloss" thrilled the crowds again this year. The Norwegian quintet "Kakkmaddafakka" rocked the main stage on Saturday. Impressions of the festival can be seen in a film available on the district's YouTube page. Photo: Frank Meißner
