50 years of the Winterthur Music Festival

For half a century, the Winterthur Music Festival for independent, non-commercial culture in the heart of the old town. What began as a small concert weekend in 1976 is now one of the oldest festivals in Switzerland and attracts around 60,000 visitors every year. The festival has established itself as a springboard for Swiss acts and international newcomers - made possible by over 1,100 volunteers with more than 28,000 hours of voluntary work.

In its anniversary year, the Musikfestwochen is deliberately doing without show effects and big names. "We have worked for many years on the clear positioning of our festival and have been successful with it," explains Co-Managing Director Lotta Widmer. In view of the current "death of festivals" and the increasing monopolization in the music industry, the festival wants to maintain its independence and sharpen its profile.

Anniversary program with a focus on the future

The anniversary is being celebrated with three special formats. On August 9, the "Future Lab" will take place - a workshop with the Think & Do-Tank Decenterin which participants develop scenarios for the festival of tomorrow. At the same time, the "Music Festival Carousel" goes on tour: a musical walk with concerts at surprising locations around the festival site.

The "Rätselelfestwochen" - an interactive course through Winterthur - has been running since July 1. The escape room team Secret passage188 has designed them. They provide a playful insight into the organization behind the scenes.

The 50th edition of the Musikfestwochen will take place from August 6 to 17, 2025. Association President Anina Ljaskowsky emphasizes: "We were, are and will remain a work of many. Instead of just looking back, we want to think ahead: how must the festival continue to develop so that it is still independent, open and relevant in 50 years' time?"

https://musikfestwochen.ch/news/50-jahre/