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United in remembrance: Solingen celebrates freedom despite the terrorist attack!
The folk festival in Solingen commemorates the attack victims of 2024 on August 23, 2025, with music and increased security measures.
United in remembrance: Solingen celebrates freedom despite the terrorist attack!
An impressive folk festival took place in Solingen on August 10, 2025, which was not only a celebration of life, but also an honorable remembrance of the victims of the tragic terrorist attack on August 23, 2024. After almost a year of mourning, thousands of people came to the city to celebrate and remember together. Loud stern.de Co-initiator Phillip Müller emphasized the strong connection between celebration and remembrance that formed the heart of this event.
The atmosphere was dominated by memories of the previous attack in which three people lost their lives and many were injured. The attack occurred during a concert as part of a city festival, which then had to be stopped immediately. It was all the more important that the event took place this year and that bands that couldn't play in 2024 now celebrated a big comeback.
Musical memories and a strong symbol
A highlight of the festival was the performance of the Kotten Klub Big Band, who paid their respects with a “souvenir concert”. The musicians spoke of the importance of music to commemorate the victims while keeping the city's spirit alive. “People shouldn’t stay at home out of fear,” emphasized Müller and appealed to citizens not to miss out on the joy of celebrating together.
Special security precautions were taken for the events. After the 2024 attack, organizers decided that mobile barriers against vehicles and increased security measures were necessary to guarantee a safe celebration. This also emphasized ZDF, which closely monitored the security situation and reported on the increase in measures.
Trial against the suspect
A lasting issue in Solingen is the trial against the alleged perpetrator, the Syrian Issa al H., who is charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder. The federal prosecutor's office assumes that he was a member of the terrorist group Islamic State (IS). Al H. confessed to the knife attack, but did not comment on the member's allegations. The trial is currently underway in Düsseldorf and is being followed with great interest by the citizens here in Solingen.
Another commemoration of the victims is planned on the anniversary of the attack, August 23rd. Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) is expected on this occasion and will give the victims and their families the honor they deserve.
Today's festival and commemoration are also a strong sign: the freedom to celebrate and live in the city center is not restricted by fear. Rather, this is a courageous signal against terror that binds the Solingen community together.