Germany’s MELT Festival to stop running after 27 years

Germany’s MELT Festival has announced that this year’s edition will be its last, calling off its annual event after some 27 years.

MELT’s Director Florian Czok cited “changes in the festival landscape” as a reason for its closure (via Resident Advisor), explaining: "Despite our commitment and efforts in recent years, we recognise that the original Melt no longer fits into the German festival market.”

He added: “[MELT] cannot withstand the developments of recent years without radically altering the festival concept.”

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The festival announced the news on Instagram yesterday, May 30, confirming that MELT will take place for the last time in July. The final event will go ahead from July 13 - 15 at the Ferropolis City of Iron in Germany, nestled between Berlin and Leipzig.

“If someone had told us in 1997, our very first year, that the MELT Festival would still exist in 2024, we would probably have called that person crazy,” the post reads.

“In 1999 we found our home in Ferropolis and danced, celebrated and experienced unforgettable moments there for 25 years.”

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MELT promises some “final surprises” in store for its final year, which remain unannounced. The festival’s final edition features over 150 artists including Ahadadream, Helena Hauff, Honey Dijon, VTSS, Sugababes, James Blake, Skepta and Romy.

“Our goal has always been to create special and unique experiences, to offer a space where you can be free and surrender to music and the night. Thanks to you, this vision became reality,” they said.

Grab your tickets to the final edition of MELT Festival here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter