Maritim Festival is progressing in its advancement
25th International Maritime Festival (IFM) in Vegesack, Bremen, Germany in 2025
The 25th edition of the International Maritime Festival (IFM) in Vegesack promises a lively and diverse celebration of maritime culture.
- Expanded Music Lineup: The festival will showcase a wide range of music genres, moving beyond traditional "Sea Music" to include rock, punk, Celtic metal, folk, and pop. Notable headliners include Triddana, a Celtic-metal band from Argentina, and The Clan, a folk-rock band from Milan blending punk rock with Celtic and Irish music.
- Robust Cutter Pulling Competitions: The festival will feature robust cutter pulling competitions, adding a thrilling and competitive edge to the event.
- Water and Light Installations: For atmospheric effects near the Museumshaven with traditional ships, there will be water and light installations.
- Artistic Exhibitions: Well-known fine artists will exhibit their work during the festival.
- City-Saturday: On this day, bands will perform directly in the Vegesack pedestrian zone, transforming the shopping area into a lively open-air stage.
- Grand Finale: The festival will conclude with a fireworks display and the traditional shanty slam, a final concert where groups meet on stage for a grand musical finale.
In addition to these attractions, the festival remains free of charge and continues to attract approximately 100,000 visitors annually, making it a major cultural maritime celebration in Germany.
New additions to the festival include the Bremer Ratskeller joining the Maritime Mile as a new notable destination for wine lovers in 2025. Blauwal, a unique cocktail bar, will also be located near the whale's tail near the ferry landing in 2025.
New IFM fan merchandise will debut in 2025, including t-shirts, hoodies, and anniversary shirts. The whale is a central design element in the first official IFM merchandise items.
Visitors can support the event by donating their two-euro deposit cup in specially marked red collection bins. A benefit concert at the Vegesack city church on July 31st at 5 pm will contribute to the festival's financial future.
The Bremer free card can be used to pay for many attractions on the children's grounds. A winning notification from the Scavenger Hunt app is required to redeem the free drink. The IFM has been held annually in Vegesack since 1999 and has hosted concerts for approximately 3,500 times and attracted 1.75 million visitors over the past 25 years.
The festival features musicians from over 70 countries, and a "WeserART" event showcases maritime artisanal crafts in the boathouse in Vegesack city garden. Ships made by an iron sculptor, aquarelles on maps, bags made from old sails are among the maritime artisanal crafts at the "WeserART" event.
In summary, the 2025 festival emphasizes a blend of traditional and modern maritime-themed music, scenic installations, and interactive public events that enhance the vibrant maritime atmosphere of Vegesack's historic harbor district.
- Stylish Expansion: Apart from the traditional maritime celebrations, the 25th International Maritime Festival (IFM) in Vegesack will introduce a new Fashion-and-Beauty pavilion, featuring local designers showcasing nautical-inspired clothing, accessories, and makeup trends.
- Gourmet Maritime Cuisine: As part of the Food-and-Drink offerings, renowned chefs will host cooking demos featuring fresh seafood and innovative recipes inspired by maritime traditions, offering festival-goers a taste of Vegesack's rich maritime lifestyle.
