Swiss folk music meets in Altstätten

Muatathal, April 13, 2024

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Eastern Switzerland will be in the spotlight in autumn 2027: Altstätten will be the venue for the 15th Federal Folk Music Festival from September 9 to 12, 2027. The Federal Folk Music Festival (EVMF) is the largest and most important folk music event in Switzerland. Every four years, the festival brings together over 1,100 musicians from all genres and around 50,000 to 60,000 visitors from all over Switzerland. The focus is on making music together and cultivating traditional Swiss customs.

The historic market town in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley, which will host the North-East Switzerland Yodelling Festival in summer 2025, will once again be the venue for a major folklore and customs event shortly afterwards. This time at national level. The decision to bring the Federal Folk Music Festival to Altstätten is the result of an initiative by folk music fans from the Rhine Valley, Ländler enthusiasts and regional entrepreneurs. The locally anchored OC is committed to organizing the festival professionally and with dedication together with the Swiss Folk Music Association. Simon Büchel, project manager of the initiative committee, emphasizes the importance of the festival for the region: "With the Federal Folk Music Festival, our region will be able to enjoy a federal association festival for the first time. This is a great honor, promotes the Rhine Valley as a location and will also trigger a certain dynamic and identity-building".

A celebration in the four-country corner

The geographical location of Altstätten and the Rhine Valley will be used to inspire the inhabitants of neighboring countries and regions with enthusiasm for the diversity of Swiss folk music. The Central President of the Swiss Folk Music Association, Ralph Janser, expressed his delight at the choice of venue: "The location in the four-country corner is a novelty for the national folk music scene and thus creates exciting impulses beyond the national borders." Vice Mayor Andreas Broger was equally enthusiastic after the award at the delegates' meeting in Muotathal: "Altstätten is known for its cultural diversity and openness. Hosting the Federal Folk Music Festival offers a unique opportunity to present ourselves at a national level and promote cultural exchange."

Rheintal folk music scene grows

The festival center of the Federal Folk Music Festival from 9 to 12 September 2027 will be concentrated in the city center of Altstätten. The picturesque alleyways and squares of the old town will be used to create an incomparable atmosphere and show the town at its best. The program includes both free music-making and musical performances, which are judged by experts. Around 230 musical contributions, including around 50 by up-and-coming musicians, and a parade await the guests. The perfect stage to present Swiss folk traditions to visitors from all language regions of Switzerland and neighboring countries: "The folk music scene in the Rhine Valley will grow and experience a new upswing," says Dario Schmid, a passionate folk musician from the Rhine Valley, board member of the Swiss Dulcimer Association and member of the EVMF initiative committee. The committee is also supported by other personalities from the folk music scene: René Lei and Philipp Färber from the Pfauenhalde band.

A celebration for the whole region

However, the festival is by no means limited to the city limits of Altstätten. In the run-up to the EVMF, various events and activities take place throughout the St. Gallen Rhine Valley. The region will also be involved during the festival: The car and touring car logistics on the Allmend in Altstätten will be used as a parking area for the numerous motorhomes and campers expected. All hotels in the region will also be occupied by active participants and guests. Further accommodation is planned in the sports halls and civil defense facilities in and around Altstätten. The initiative committee under the leadership of Simon Büchel has already started work and is striving to make the 15th edition an unforgettable experience. The 2027 Federal Folk Music Festival in Altstätten in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley promises to be a musical, cultural and community festival that duly celebrates the rich tradition of Swiss folk music.

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