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WGT 2025: Peaceful festival of the dark scene in Leipzig is celebrating!
The Wave-Gotik-Treffen in Leipzig (June 5-9, 2025) combines creativity, culture and peace in the black scene.
WGT 2025: Peaceful festival of the dark scene in Leipzig is celebrating!
The Wave Gothic Meeting (WGT) is an established festival that takes place annually in Leipzig and attracts fans of “dark” music and culture. This year the event will take place from June 6th to 9th, 2025 and expects around 18,000 to 20,000 visitors. The first WGT event took place in Potsdam in 1987, but was considered illegal due to GDR laws at the time. The first official WGT was launched in 1992 at the Eiskeller Club in Leipzig and has shown steady growth since then.
Visitors can look forward to over 150 bands and artists representing various genres such as Gothic Rock, EBM, Industrial and Darkwave. The festival lasts four days and offers an extensive program that, in addition to concerts, also includes cultural events, film screenings, readings and workshops. Many museums in Leipzig open their doors free of charge to visitors during the festival and offer special tours.
The philosophy of the Gothic scene
A central feature of the WGT is the peaceful atmosphere. Loud MDR Non-violence is a basic principle within the Gothic scene, where fights or rivalries between Goths and Cyberpunks are unthinkable. Instead, visitors are advised to treat each other with respect and consider taking photos without permission as inappropriate. Creative ideas are more valuable in the scene than material things, such as expensive cars or branded clothing, which contributes to the high appreciation of individuality and lifestyle.
A notable story from the WGT's past is the year 2000, when the event had to be scrapped due to financial difficulties. The artists could no longer be paid and the access wristbands lost their value. Instead of protesting, the Goths organized a replacement concert, where many bands performed for free. This experience became a positive memory for the participants in a time that was otherwise marked by disappointment.
Expanded events and attractions
The WGT not only offers music, but also a rich supporting program. Concerts, markets and dance floors take place in the main event hall, which can accommodate up to 10,000 people. Apart from the main venue, the Agra Exhibition Halls, numerous other venues in the city are also involved in the celebrations. In recent years, many themed picnics and electronic music festivals have been organized as additional attractions.
The event attracts a diverse and creative community that values life and its existential depths. This is demonstrated not only by the appearance and behavior of the participants, but also by their commitment to a common goal: an unforgettable experience within the limitless sound world of dark music.