Festival in Bad Hersfeld: Brilliant opening in the monastery ruins!
Opening of the 74th Bad Hersfeld Festival in the monastery ruins on June 20, 2025. Visitors can expect prominent guests and a diverse program.

Festival in Bad Hersfeld: Brilliant opening in the monastery ruins!
What an exciting evening in Bad Hersfeld! On Friday, June 20, 2025, the 74th Bad Hersfeld Festival opened with a pompous ceremony in the impressive monastery ruins. Even before the official program began, guests flocked in droves so as not to miss a second of the festive atmosphere. A red carpet and a champagne reception got those present in the mood for the spectacle, and the anticipation could clearly be felt in the air.
The ceremony began promptly at 6 p.m. and brought together a number of prominent personalities from politics, culture and society. Among the guests were Mayor Anke Hofmann, who opened the evening with an inspiring quote from director Simon McBurney, and Prime Minister Boris Rhein, who spoke about the social importance of theater. Another highlight was the awarding of the Hessian Order of Merit to Jörn Hinkel, who was recognized for his outstanding achievements. HNA noted that the opening was not only a cultural event, but also a platform for reflecting on the role of theater in our society.
A varied program
The highlight of the evening was the premiere of Shakespeare's “Midsummer Night's Dreams”, which left the audience thrilled by the direction and the actors. However, the festival has even more to offer: in the coming weeks, productions such as “A Chorus Line” and “Wie im Himmel” are on the program, which appeal to a wide audience. This shows how diverse the Bad Hersfeld Festival is and that they have something to suit every preference.
The atmosphere in the abbey ruins was simply electric, and the numerous guests who had already gathered before the official opening contributed to the festive atmosphere. Many of those present came not only to celebrate, but also to enjoy the diverse cultural offerings that the festival will provide in the coming days. The evening was crowned with a great premiere party after the first performance, celebrating the artists and the team.
Overall, the Bad Hersfeld Festival was a complete success and once again showed that it is firmly anchored in the cultural life of the region. For theater lovers and those interested in culture, now is the perfect time to secure your tickets and immerse yourself in the world of theater.