Massive Crowds Attend 35th Swiss Federal Music Festival in Biel/Bienne

The 35th Swiss Federal Music Festival has drawn massive crowds to Biel/Bienne, transforming the city into a national hub for wind instrument and brass band performances over four days.

Organisers estimate that around 100,000 visitors attended the event, with officials suggesting the actual number may have been even higher due to the overwhelming turnout across venues and streets.

A total of 24,071 musicians from 532 associations participated in competitions held in major venues such as the Palais des Congrès, Maison du Peuple, and Théâtre Nebia. Expert juries evaluated performances across multiple categories, showcasing the depth of Switzerland’s long-standing musical tradition.

Despite challenging weather conditions, most events continued as planned, although one parade competition on Saturday evening had to be cancelled due to heavy rain.

The festival atmosphere remained vibrant throughout, with large audiences lining streets along parade routes. At peak times, central areas such as Rue Centrale became so crowded that movement was extremely difficult.

In the “Brass Band Excellence” category, musicians from the canton of Valais dominated the rankings, securing the top six positions. The Ancienne Cécilia group from Chermignon claimed the top prize, reinforcing Valais’s strong reputation in Swiss brass music.

Beyond competitions, more than 60 additional cultural and entertainment events were held, attracting families, youth groups, and music enthusiasts from across the country.

Organisers also placed strong emphasis on youth participation, collaborating with local cultural collectives and youth centres to encourage younger generations to learn and engage with wind instrument music.

The festival, considered one of the largest of its kind globally, has a history spanning over 200 years, reflecting deep cultural roots dating back to the early Swiss federal era.

Following the success of the 2026 edition, the next Swiss Federal Music Festival is scheduled for 2031 in St. Gallen.

Swiss Federal Music Festival Opens in Biel/Bienne Despite Weather.

The Swiss Federal Music Festival has officially begun in Biel/Bienne, with thousands of musicians taking part in one of the country’s largest cultural events despite concerns over heavy rain.

The opening parade started on Thursday at around 12:30 pm after organisers made a last-minute decision to proceed. While light drizzle was reported during parts of the day, the weather also improved at times, allowing the procession to continue through the city streets.

Organisers had earlier warned that the parade could be cancelled if conditions worsened, as wind instruments such as clarinets, saxophones, and oboes are particularly vulnerable to rain damage.

The festival’s communications manager, Théo Martin, confirmed that the decision to proceed depended heavily on weather conditions, with heavy rainfall remaining the main risk factor for cancellation.

A member of the organising committee, Jean-Marc Richard, highlighted the cultural importance of the event, stating that the festival showcases the “power and energy of wind instruments” and helps challenge common stereotypes about folk music.

The Swiss Federal Music Festival brings together around 532 music societies from across Switzerland, with more than 25,000 participants competing in various categories between Thursday and Sunday.

Held approximately every five years, the event is one of Switzerland’s most significant musical gatherings, attracting large audiences and celebrating the country’s strong tradition of amateur and professional wind music ensembles.