Festival Jamel rocks the forester: District criticizes court ruling!

Festival Jamel rocks the forester: District criticizes court ruling!

In a few weeks, more precisely on August 22nd and 23rd, 2025, a signal against right-wing extremism will once again be set in the small community of Jamel. The now well-known music and democracy festival “Jamel rocks the forester” is ringing in its next round. However, there is some excitement in advance that is keeping local authorities and organizers on tenterhooks. NDR reports that the festival will be held as a gathering for the first time, which could result in possible restrictions.

The origins of this anti-right-wing festival date back to 2007. Horst and Birgit Lohmeyer founded it to counteract the influence of neo-Nazis in the region. In an area where, according to reports, 95 percent of the residents are Nazis, their commitment is all the more remarkable. The Lohmeyers were even awarded the Order of Merit of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania for their efforts, which underlines their tireless work for democracy and tolerance.

Legal disputes

However, politics is taking a challenging turn. The Northwest Mecklenburg district, represented by District Administrator Tino Schomann (CDU), is irritated by the latest decision by the Schwerin Administrative Court. This decision fell in favor of the organizers and led to a complaint from the district. The legal disputes initially revolved around a lease of around 8,000 euros for parking spaces, which the municipality of Gägelow had demanded. LTO reported that the court did not consider it sufficiently credible that this fee would place a significant burden on the association.

The authorities had also expressed concerns about introducing a ban on alcohol and glass bottles, which were rejected by the organizers. The administrative court found that there was a lack of sufficient evidence of possible dangers caused by these measures. It is to be hoped that the situation before the festival does not deteriorate further and that the preparations can proceed smoothly.

A festival with great demand

The festival has generated a consistently positive response and demand for tickets far exceeds capacity. Last year, artists such as the Fantastischen Vier and Olli Schulz thrilled visitors. This year, not only music lovers are expected, but also numerous activists and committed people who want to set an example for tolerance together.

Although the legal dispute over fees and requirements has not yet been resolved, the hope remains that the “Jamel rocks the Förster” festival will attract many people as usual. After all, it's not just about music, but about strengthening values ​​that are good for our society - tolerance, democracy and a clear no to extremism.