The "Kosmos" democracy festival kicked off in Chemnitz on Saturday afternoon in perfect summer weather. Thousands of people came at the beginning, especially families with children, as an organizer said at noon. A total of around 50,000 visitors are expected. A program of music, art, sport and social events will be offered around the castle pond. Admission to the festival is free.
Highlights include performances by the bands Silbermond and Culcha Candela in the evening. According to the organizers, a total of more than 200 program points will be offered in one day. This includes a 660-metre-long slackline that spans the festival area at a height of around 50 meters and on which slackliners can show off their skills. "Even during the first practice runs in the morning, the visitors were enthusiastic, stopped again and again and were amazed," said organizer Arndt Hecker.
The aim of the "Kosmos" is to show attitude and stand up for democratic values, explained co-organizer Ernesto Uhlmann. The whole thing goes back to the #wirsindmehr concert in 2018. At the time, it was organized in response to right-wing extremist riots in the city. The festival is also planned as a program item in the Capital of Culture year 2025.
