53rd INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL 2025

The world’s largest and oldest music festival for traditional jazz

Six weeks before the festival, organiser Sächsische Festivalvereinigung e.V. was required to equip every public performance area with counter-terrorism barriers. Unexpected extra costs of at least €120,000 for planned Jazzmeile sites were unaffordable, threatening almost half the programme.

Organisers rejected ending the festival, instead devising a one-off emergency solution: half the programme urgently rearranged to save free events. This is risky: installing barriers along Prager Straße means opening with around €60,000 deficit. Despite fewer stages, almost all planned Jazzmeile bands will perform.

To reduce risk, every stage will promote voluntary admission contributions, payable on site or anytime through the website. Fan wristband purchases also support the festival.

52 years of an open, peaceful festival

For 52 years this has been a place of peace and joy, exchanging knowledge and experiences and engaging with cultures regardless of origin, skin colour or differences. Over 50 years Dresden became a worldwide traditional jazz centre to its audiences’ delight.
Comprehensive safety plans and care have always addressed precautions and requirements against accidents arising from organisers’ activities.

Organisers face questions of survival

Attacks in Germany in recent years/months caused concern. Protection against vehicle-ramming attacks is unsettling and unfamiliar but unfortunately necessary.
Whether counter-terrorism is a state responsibility remains unanswered.

Is protecting everyone, especially from terrorism, not the state’s duty?
Police and public order authorities are responsible for public safety and order.
Our association is likewise entitled to state protection when exercising civil rights.
Unresolved liability creates unacceptable additional risks and far-reaching livelihood concerns for each board member.

Demands concerning major events

The INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL, the world’s largest and oldest of its kind, is a cultural flagship and economic/tourism stimulus symbolising joy and openness. Without immediate political decisions and implementation, fear and terrorism could deprive it of Jazzmeile and parade.

Responsibility for counter-terrorism measures must be clearly defined, both materially and financially. Equally important is an unambiguous framework governing organisers’ liability. Support in the form of equipment and funding is currently insufficient to provide the necessary protection. These measures are essential if the festival is to retain its customary historical scale and continue offering more than 150 hours of free music.

A central municipal contact could reduce logistics, time and administrative procedures.

We appeal for necessary political steps to protect and preserve the festival, so Dresden continues benefiting fully from its reputation and attendance reaching or exceeding 400,000. Long-term planning certainty is essential.

The INTERNATIONALES DIXIELAND FESTIVAL 2025

The proven strategy integrates young bands and attractive formats for new audiences, with events for children, families, experts, dancers, partygoers and people with disabilities. The globally unique Riverboat-Shuffle returns.

The 53rd edition runs 11–18 May 2025: 277 hours, 148 free, 42 bands/soloists from eight countries in 48 events.

Swing’it’s 1923 Prohibition Party European tour 2025 combines dance, jazz, humour, showgirls and vintage DJ sets. This world-class Norwegian show visits Tante JU on Saturday, 17 May, 19:30. 1920s/1930s attire is recommended.

Löwensaal Dresden’s two concerts celebrate Blue Wonder Jazzband’s 50th and Elb Meadow Ramblers’ 70th anniversary on Friday, 16 May, 19:30, followed by Dixieland International on Saturday, 17 May, 19:30.

The first Open Stage welcomes German and international bands/soloists, hosted by Sachsenradio’s Silvio Zschage Friday–Sunday on the MDR stage at Hotel Königstein.

Visitor information: 2025 ship berths

Tickets remain for 1923 Prohibition Party, Open-Air-Gala and other events; late sales for MS August der Starke mean availability for Riverboat-Shuffle and Riverboat-Sonderfahrt too.

Carolabrücke works move 2025 Riverboat departures/arrivals between Carolabrücke and Albertbrücke. Exact berths appear Monday, 5 May, at www.dixielandfestival-dresden.com.