Fight against right-wing extremism: Jamel rocks with a big festival!

Fight against right-wing extremism: Jamel rocks with a big festival!

On August 22, 2025, the “Jamel rocks the forester” festival took place in Jamel, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which is intended as a striking counter-movement against right-wing extremism. Numerous artists and political representatives gathered at this high-profile event, which received national attention. The focus of the event remained the political message, which is intended to be highlighted in the midst of a Jamel increasingly occupied by nationalist forces. Around 20 years ago, the rise of right-wing extremists began in the region, who wanted to establish this picturesque community as a “National Socialist model village”.

The initiators of the festival are the artist couple Birgit and Horst Lohmeyer, who have been actively campaigning against right-wing extremist tendencies since 2004. Their commitment has already been recognized with various awards. Among the festival's supporters is Manuela Schwesig from the SPD, who has been patron since 2016. Numerous federal and state politicians also took part in the festival, setting an example for tolerance. Loud daily news The line-up was deliberately kept secret in order to arouse the curiosity of visitors and to clearly focus on the message. Well-known names such as Toten Hosen, Fettes Brot and Deichkind appeared.

A sign not just for Jamel

Despite all the euphoria, the festival is not only celebrated, but also critically questioned. In an analysis by Northern Courier It is criticized that the event's commitment is not sustainable enough to combat intolerance and exclusion in the long term. Critics argue that similar initiatives and events are missing in surrounding towns such as Groß Krams and Grevesmühlen, which do not adequately support local civil society efforts.

The community of Gägelow, which is home to Jamel, has placed particular focus on the festival this year: for the first time, a rent of 8,000 euros is required for the festival areas. These new requirements were addressed directly by the local council, which also includes members with troubled pasts. Nevertheless, the Lohmeyers managed to register the festival as a political meeting in order to benefit from high fees for space. A court also decided on numerous requirements, including banning glass bottles and increasing the number of folders. A well-known dispute over the route between the campsite and the concert site due to environmental concerns also caused a stir.

A strong network against right-wing extremism

The festival offers a platform for civil society networks that promote tolerance and integration in West Mecklenburg. Loud Wikipedia There are a number of initiatives and organizations that campaign for democracy and against racism. This shows that the region is taking proactive steps to counter right-wing extremist tendencies. Nevertheless, it remains to be hoped that such events are not the only form of engagement, but rather serve as an impetus for more local activities that can create a broader public awareness of the concerns of civil society.

Whether hosting the festival can serve as a sustainable strategy against right-wing extremism remains to be seen in the future. But while Jamel rocks the forester sheds repeated light on the tragic reality of right-wing extremist tendencies, the hope remains that civil society will eventually gain the upper hand and bring about long-term change.