Programme in 2025
Solbach-Freise Foundation for Civil Courage
Our foundation regularly honours individuals and organisations that work for the common good, democracy, civil rights and justice without shying away from conflict with the state, bureaucracy or private economic power.
The award honours people who are willing to accept personal disadvantages because of their courageous commitment to the common good. With this award, the foundation aims to encourage others not to look away when they see injustice or wrongdoing, but to stand up for their fellow human beings and their rights.
This year’s award winners, Birgit and Horst Lohmeyer, have worked for a vibrant democracy in Jamel against right-wing extremism, shown courage to take action and committed themselves to diversity and tolerance. For this reason, the Solbach-Freise Foundation will present them with the Civil Courage Award on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. on the main stage.
You can find more information on our website: www.solbach-freise-stiftung.de
Horst & Birgit Lohmeyer Democracy Prize
The prize, awarded by Birgit and Horst Lohmeyer, not only rewards positive examples of social commitment by young people, but also raises awareness of them. The prize money is 1,000 euros. In addition to the cash prize, there is a trophy designed by Korinna Rennefeld in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences in Wismar.
This year, we are awarding our prize to the “School without Racism – School with Courage-Project Course” at the Freie Schule in Güstrow.
The entire school has been committed to the title “School without Racism – School with Courage” for 10 years, and work is continuously being done on this in all year groups. This includes, for example, cleaning the Güstrow stumbling stones twice a year, organising the annual Jewish memorial service on 9 November, and young people meeting once a week in the ungraded afternoon course “School without Racism – School with Courage” to develop their own projects.
Award ceremony: Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on the main stage
Information about the award at: https://demokratiepreis-mv.de/
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of solidarity.” (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, Article 1)
Current world political events show us every day that this article cannot be taken for granted. AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL wants to counter this. We will be offering insights into the specific work of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Lübeck at our information stand.
Workshop:
“With colour and imagination: postcards for freedom” – postcard painting for children
1:30–2:30 p.m. at the Amnesty stand.
Dear children
Would you like to take part in a fantastic painting workshop? Together, we want to design colourful and creative postcards and do something important at the same time. We will send these cards to Nasrin Sotudeh, a very courageous woman from Iran who is currently in prison. With our cards, we want to encourage her and show her that we are thinking of her.
Anfachen Award IX – Poster exhibition on the subject of privilege
All people are equal… Basic law or wishful thinking? The international poster competition Anfachen Award IX on the topic of privilege gets to the bottom of this and other essential questions. The 25 winning designs from the competition will be on display in large format during our festival. You can either discover the posters for yourself or take part in one of the 20-minute guided tours on 23 August 2025: Meet at the Anfachen Award stand at 12 noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Since 2016, the Anfachen Award poster competition has been dedicated to a socially relevant topic each year. For more information, visit www.anfachenaward.de.
Arbeitsgemeinschaft Schacht Konrad e.V.
Love Zuckerwatte – hate fascism
For over 35 years, the Schacht Konrad Working Group has been committed to the safe handling of nuclear waste. On 15 April 2023, the last nuclear power plants in Germany were shut down – a big day for the anti-nuclear and climate movement. This removes a major obstacle to a sustainable transition to a decentralised supply of renewable energy. What remains after 60 years of nuclear power production is a huge amount of radioactive waste that must be stored safely for at least 1 million years. The big question is where. Definitely not in the old, dilapidated iron ore mine Schacht KONRAD in Salzgitter.
Workshop:
We are once again offering a workshop on environmental and climate protection with a focus on nuclear waste, nuclear energy and final storage, and we can also discuss renewable energies.
Stand up against racism
Stand up against racism is a nationwide alliance against the AfD. Our campaign is supported by a large number of organisations, individuals and regional alliances. Our work consists of three central components. We provide information about the AfD with flyers, brochures and other information material. Through our educational programme, the Stammtischkämpfer*innen (regulars’ table fighters), we have encouraged more than 30,000 people in over 2,000 seminars to raise their voices against right-wing slogans in their everyday lives. With more than 80 local groups, we confront the AfD on the streets wherever it appears, from information stands to large protests against the AfD’s federal party conferences.
Workshop:
Stammtischkämpfer*innen seminar
In theory and practice, we develop and demonstrate possible courses of action that help us draw a red line in everyday life and counter right-wing slogans.
Faculty of Design at Wismar University
The Faculty of Design at Wismar University is delighted to be part of the festival again this year. Students from the architecture, architectural lighting design, interior design, product and jewellery design, communication design and media courses are supporting the festival by setting up and dismantling the Jamel huts, which were developed in 2017 for the Village of Democracy and Tolerance.
Workshop:
Screen printing workshop for children and adults. T-shirts in various colours and sizes can be purchased on site for a donation – while stocks last. All donations go directly to the festival. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to print on your own textiles this time. The offer may be limited in case of rain.
IG Metall Meck-Pomm + Lübeck & DGB-Youth North
Works councils and staff councils symbolise that democratic structures and decision-making processes do not stop at the factory gate. Employees usually have no say in matters of corporate management, e.g. the appointment of management, etc. The co-determination rights of the works council show ways to achieve the right to have a say and negotiate on an equal footing. We present the options for shaping workplace co-determination and the possibilities for democratic participation by the workforce within the company.
Various workshops
No desire for Nazis (KBAN)
Since 2006, we have been supporting, networking and informing teenagers and young adults on the topics of the extreme right, racism and the neo-Nazi scene. In recent years, we have distributed hundreds of thousands of free youth magazines and more than a million information flyers. We organise concerts and protests. We continuously provide initiatives, groups and individuals who are committed to fighting right-wing extremism with information material, posters and stickers. We help mobilise protests via our social media accounts. Our work is financed exclusively by donations. We want to remain independent of government funding.
Kuhle Wampe Motorcycle Club
“Kuhle Wampe” was the name of a tent city in Berlin in the 1920s. The community of tent dwellers lived in solidarity with one another, overcoming their difficult circumstances through cohesion and mutual assistance. Motorcycling was part of this. That’s how the motorcycle club got its name. We want to continue the tradition of solidarity associated with this name. We are an association of more than 40 motorcycle clubs for whom political engagement is a high priority. For more information, visit: www.kuhle-wampe.de
Landesverband Soziokultur MV e. V.
Landesverband Soziokultur MV – an association of socio-cultural centres and clubs in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that are committed to an open, democratic and tolerant society. At the stand, you can find information, print materials and get stamps.
Workshop:
Make your own stamps – colourful designs and slogans against the far right. Make your own stamps under expert guidance and then get stamping – on paper or fabric.
Radio LOHRO
LOHRO – the “local radio station of the Hanseatic city of Rostock” – is a non-commercial station that has been broadcasting a 24-hour programme seven days a week since 1 July 2005.
The participatory radio station stands for commitment, diversity and music outside the mainstream. Around 200 volunteers are involved in a grassroots democratic way in almost 60 speech and music editorial teams – from punk to jazz and blues, from culture to the environment and politics. People aged 10 to 80 from a wide variety of industries, countries and social backgrounds broadcast here. That’s why LOHRO sounds different: charmingly unpolished, musically alternative, culturally informative and “real”.
Workshop:
“The landscape of free local radio stations”
What are independent radio stations anyway? How do they work? And who can get involved?
In this workshop, you will gain an insight into the history and background of free radio stations. You will also get an overview of the various stations in Germany (and a little beyond…). In addition, we will show you how you can get involved in free radio yourself.
MISSION LIFELINE International e. V.
Because every life counts – MISSION LIFELINE
Every day, people risk their lives because they have to flee their homes. They drown in the Mediterranean. They freeze in forests on Europe’s external borders. They live like prisoners in inhumane camps – forgotten and lost. We refuse to accept this. In various successful projects, such as sea rescue in the central Mediterranean, on Lesbos, but also in Ukraine and with the evacuation of threatened persons from Afghanistan, we have been able to rescue people fleeing from acute danger and support them on their way to a safe future. Another focus of the association is observation, reporting, education and human rights and political work. www.mission-lifeline.de
GRANDMAS AGAINST THE RIGHT
This year, we are represented at the festival by GRANDMAS AGAINST THE RIGHT, an alliance of the cities of Boizenburg, Greifswald, Lübeck, Rostock, Schwerin and Wismar.
You know what we stand for and what we are joining forces against, that we continue to work for a tolerant, colourful and socially just society. We also stand for a future fit for our grandchildren, in which all people are treated with respect and are continually protected from war. Anti-fascism and maintaining firewalls remain manual labour.
Workshop:
“Morning drinks with the OMAS”
Oxfam Germany
Oxfam Germany is a global emergency aid and development organisation that works passionately with conviction, knowledge, experience and many people towards one goal: a fair world without poverty. Together with you, we want to save the Supply Chain Act this year. This is a milestone for human rights and environmental protection worldwide. However, the German government wants to suspend it under the pretext of reducing bureaucracy. We demand “People before Profit”! Support us by signing our petition to Chancellor Merz! Come and talk to us at our information stand, design free cloth bags or take a water tattoo with you.
PPO Kiel – Information & support on the subject of party drugs
Do you use or are you interested in party drugs and want to know more? Then come and see us!
We from the party and prevention project PPO Kiel (Odyssee e.V.) will be at the festival with an information stand for you – open, non-judgmental and without moralising.
In personal conversations, we share our knowledge about substances, effects and risks. We provide information about safer use, give tips on risk reduction and also have helpful articles for you.
Our goal? Reflection instead of judgement. We support you in better understanding your consumption – with individual acceptance and without taboos.
Whether you have questions, uncertainties or simply want to talk, we are here to listen. And if you need more, we can refer you to appropriate support services in Schleswig-Holstein.
Regional Centre for Democratic Culture West Mecklenburg (sponsored by RAA Democracy and Education MV) + Lobbi e. V.
Why is the success of right-wing extremist parties so dangerous? What should you do if a colleague, your son or a local representative is active in the right-wing extremist scene? And how can we support those affected by racist violence? The Regional Centre for Democratic Culture West Mecklenburg, sponsored by the RAA, provides advice and training on these issues and supports those seeking advice in finding concrete courses of action. Lobbi MV supports victims of right-wing extremist violence with psychosocial and legal advice. In this way, we strengthen people, institutions and democratic structures in rural areas.
Workshop (at 12:30 p.m.):
“Right-wing extremist shadow worlds: The extreme right wants Germany to burn – and unfortunately, their strategy seems to be working. This year, we are once again descending into the shadow worlds of right-wing extremist networks and narratives in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Deep in the forest, we will ask ourselves at various stations where this country is heading in 2021 and what we can – or must – do to counter the shift to the right.”
Resqship e. V.
RESQSHIP e.V. was founded in 2017 to support the existing sea rescue fleet in the central Mediterranean. Our decision to work with a sailing ship has proven very successful over the years; we can act flexibly and are also very economical and environmentally friendly. In recent years, we have been able to support well over 10,000 people in distress and help them reach a “safe harbour.” All crew members are volunteers, we are on the Mediterranean every year for 10 missions of three weeks each, and we are funded entirely by donations.
Take a look: www.resqship.org and on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky
Rock Against Right MV e. V.
Loud against racism – that’s what the non-profit association “Rock gegen Rechts Mecklenburg-Vorpommern e. V.” stands for.
We are active throughout Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and have a nationwide network. Our members include the Rhythm Against Racism festival in Güstrow and the mobile disco Fette Elke, which travels to smaller and larger festivals and celebrations.
Come by and find out more about our work – or fill your stomach with us after a night of rocking out: We are organising the famous festival breakfast on Saturday again this year. For a donation of €3–€3000, we’ll give you everything you need for a good start to the day. Just follow the smell of bread rolls and coffee or the signs on the grounds. We look forward to seeing you!
Affiliated regional school and Gymnasium “Tisa von der Schulenburg” Dorf Mecklenburg & ecolea | International School Schwerin
We are the “Updater – School without Racism 2.0” at the Dorf Mecklenburg Cooperative Comprehensive School. At our school, we strive to address discrimination and racism on an ongoing basis and are delighted to have Birgit and Horst Lohmeyer as mentors supporting us in this endeavour. The elective course “Courage” at the ecolea | Internationale Schule Schwerin also deals with a wide range of social issues in order to bring them into everyday school life and lessons.
Both schools are part of the network “School without Racism – School with Courage”. At our stand, there will be a quiz about the project and the festival – with colourful prizes, of course – and a creative activity: “Bracelets for Tolerance”.
Workshop:
“Integration – the illusion of inclusion”
ver.di Youth North
ver.di Youth North is the trade union network for trainees, (dual) students, young employees and employee representatives in the service professions in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein.
Our open circle includes outstanding experts and specialists on various trade union and socio-political issues.
All issues that affect young people are important to us, whether they concern permanent employment, the quality of training, apprenticeship places, redundancies or personal education.
We are committed and will take action together with you.
Workshop:
“Sexual violence at festivals”
Often, it’s just a stupid remark or a casual comment that makes us see red. But is it really that harmless? Being touched in the crowd in front of the stage or being pushed and shoved on the way to the drinks stand – personal boundaries are quickly crossed here. Where does violence begin? And how do we recognise when boundaries are crossed in these situations? Do we react immediately? What role do the environment and those affected play?
In this workshop, we will work with participants to raise awareness of this often taboo topic and improve how we deal with incidents of sexual violence.
Success needs diversity
“WE. Success needs diversity” is a state-wide initiative that promotes a democratic and tolerant Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania through events and campaigns. It was founded in 2008 after the NPD entered the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Our network comprises around 2,200 organisations, associations, initiatives and individuals. At our stand, we provide information about our events, campaigns and cooperation projects and encourage people to get involved. With our donation format “DEMOKRATIEAKTIE” (democracy share), we have been supporting the “Jamel rockt den Förster” festival since 2014.
“Church strengthens democracy”
Since 2011, “Kirche stärkt Demokratie” has been offering qualified training and counselling for volunteers and full-time staff. Our services empower people from church communities to confront right-wing extremism, racism and anti-democratic attitudes. In addition, we advise employees and volunteers from church communities on how to deal with misanthropic attitudes, provide suggestions for implementing local dialogues and opening up church communities to other local actors.
“Kirche stärkt Demokratie” works for the church districts of Pomerania and Mecklenburg and is supported by the Centre for Church Services in Rostock. The project is funded by the federal programme “Cohesion through Participation” of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, the European Social Fund and the North Church.
Workshop:
“Council – A plea for a new culture of debate”
It is always better to talk with each other than about each other. Especially in times when so much seems uncertain and extreme positions are gaining ground, it is essential to share ideas and stories.
With the “Council” method, we can:
– listen to others with their truths and let them be as they are,
– not see these truths as a threat, but as an expression of their own experiences,
– see our own truth (feelings, experiences, thoughts) as one among many, and
– at the same time value it, even if it only applies to you.
Council is an invitation to cultural change, because it is not about right or wrong, but about attentive “communication from the heart”.
#wirsagenMOIN
We say Moin
“Wir sagen Moin e.V.” was founded in 2015 as an initiative that stands for an open society in which humanity and helpfulness are actively lived regardless of origin, faith, appearance and language. With a permanent presence, public relations work and the sale of merchandise, the initiative supports and promotes various projects that benefit refugees.
#wirsagenMOIN Pub quiz
Come and join us for a quiz! In groups of up to 4 people, we test our knowledge or at least our luck at
guessing. 🙂
Chess Café
of the Kaltenkirchen Chess Club
We have been fascinated by chess since childhood and festivals since our youth. We would like to share this fascination with you, experience it together and celebrate it.
We have lots of classic game equipment, including clocks, Lego chess and other interesting games that you are welcome to try out.
We also provide various materials about the “Verein(t) gegen Rechtsextremismus” (United Against Right-Wing Extremism) campaign. If you would like to know more about what a “cosmopolitan fridge” is, you will also find some materials from the “Aktion Zivilcourage” association.
We are sure that things will not only be heating up on and in front of the stage, but also on the chessboards. After all, we are the inventors of “forming action and calmness into a unity”.
No one knows better than we do: chess rocks!
