Starting signal for the Swiss Confederation in Altstätten

Altstätten, September 27, 2024

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The official go-ahead has been given for the 2027 Federal Folk Music Festival (EVMF) in Altstätten. On Friday, September 27, 2024, the supporting association for the festival was founded at the Landgasthof Badhof in Lüchingen near Altstätten. This lays the foundation for the organization of the major event, which will attract folk music lovers from all over Switzerland to the St. Gallen Rhine Valley. The EVMF will make history as the first ever "Federal Folk Music Festival" in the Rhine Valley and, as a major national event, will also set the tone economically for the region.

After clarifying legal and organizational issues in the morning, the founding meeting of the sponsoring association took place shortly before midday. The subsequent lunch at Landgasthof Badhof provided a welcome opportunity for informal discussions before the second official OC management meeting was held in the afternoon. Key topics such as ticketing, the composition of festival tickets, marketing, communication, financial regulations and other organizational areas were discussed.

Experienced organization team

The meeting was attended by the designated organizing committee, consisting of Philipp Färber and René Lei from Berneck. Both are part of the well-known Pfauenhalde band, which is very well connected in the Swiss folk music scene. They are supported by Dario Schmid and Simon Büchel, who are responsible for the management of the event and also take on responsibility for various organizational areas. The management of the Swiss Folk Music Association was also represented by Central President Ralph Janser, Central Treasurer Peter Keller and Managing Director Markus Brülisauer. The presence of Beat Heuberger and Jonas Maag from H+H Management GmbH was a particular enrichment for the planning and organization. Both have already supported the last editions of the EVMF in the past and bring valuable experience as project managers to the implementation of the major event in Altstätten.

Traditional festival in a modern guise

The EVMF 2027 promises to be a multi-faceted festival and will focus on the rich tradition of Swiss folk music. Visitors can look forward to a varied program that includes both traditional folk music and modern interpretations. In addition to the performances in the pubs, around 12 open stages are planned throughout the old town of Altstätten. In addition to the musical performances, gastronomic highlights and a complementary supporting program for all age groups are also planned. Altstätten and the entire St. Gallen Rhine Valley are preparing to welcome guests from all over Switzerland and neighboring countries. The major event will not only inspire the local population, but will also boost tourism and the economy of the entire region.

Three more years until the party

The organizers are looking forward to the upcoming three-year journey and the challenge of making the Federal Folk Music Festival an unforgettable experience. The next few months will now be dedicated to putting together the organizing committee, establishing and working out the partnerships and pushing ahead with the planning. The organizing committee will do everything in its power to ensure that the festival from 9 to 12 September 2027 is a complete success.