Festival against neo-Nazis: Jamel rocks the forester becomes a gathering!

Festival against neo-Nazis: Jamel rocks the forester becomes a gathering!

In a region that not long ago was considered a stronghold in the shadow of right-wing extremism, a remarkable festival is on the horizon: the “Jamel rocks the forester” event will take place from August 11th to 28th this year. Since its founding in 2007, the festival has set itself the goal of taking action against the appropriation of the small village of Jamel by neo-Nazis. It is more than just a music festival – it is a clear sign of tolerance and democracy. NDR reports that the registration of the festival as a meeting is now being reviewed by the district of Northwest Mecklenburg.

The mayor of Gägelow, Lars Prahler, is concerned that the long duration of 18 days may not be within the scope of a meeting. “That could lead to difficulties,” said Prahler. This is particularly interesting because the community areas are only being calculated for use for the first time - normally these would have to be made available free of charge at a meeting. However, there is still no clarity about the district's final decision, while the Lohmeyers, who organize the festival, could not be reached for comment.

A festival with attitude

The festival is not only a musical highlight, but also sees itself as a democratic counterwind against the right-wing extremist ideology that is widespread in Jamel and the surrounding area. Loud Forest Rock The village was deliberately populated by neo-Nazis as a “National Socialist model village”. “Jamel rocks the forester” mobilizes people who want to make a clear statement. With patrons such as Manuela Schwesig, the Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Birgit Hesse, the President of the State Parliament, the importance of the festival is further underlined.

Particularly noteworthy is the strict ban on entry for people who belong to right-wing extremist parties or organizations or who have made inhumane statements in the past. Organizers reserve the right to exclude such people from the festival. This shows that there is a clear focus on a democratic and inclusive atmosphere.

Ticket information and events

Tickets for the 2025 festival will be offered via a new online shop: tickets.forstrock.de. Tickets are sold exclusively for visitors interested in politics in order to attract an audience that is actively committed to democracy and tolerance. In 2024, various bands performed on the small stage, while the main stage featured artists such as the “Fantastic Four” and “Element of Crime”. The line-ups will be kept secret until the festival date to increase interest in the event.

Commitment against right-wing extremism is still necessary in this region, because the numbers speak for themselves: According to the Protection of the Constitution There was an increase in right-wing extremist crimes to over 37,000 in 2024. The festival serves as a platform to promote hope for change and social mobilization for a better future.