Festival: Tens of thousands at techno fest - Unusual 'souvenirs' reported

The "SonneMondSterne" festival, a major open-air electronic dance music event held at the Bleiloch reservoir in Thuringia, Germany, drew an impressive crowd of over 33,000 music fans. The festival, now in its 28th year, experienced perfect summer weather, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere along the shores of the Bleiloch reservoir near Saalburg.

Authorities reported a largely positive outcome regarding security and public order. The police registered 89 incidents relevant to their operations, marking the lowest number in the festival's history. This suggests a significant improvement in crowd management and attendee behavior compared to previous years. Day tickets were completely sold out before the main program even began on Friday, highlighting the event's popularity.

However, the festival was not without its minor issues. Police documented around 60 grams of drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy. More unusually, several theft reports involved festival-goers stealing local and traffic signs, which were then taken back to the campsites. Over 50 drivers were also caught operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, indicating a persistent challenge with impaired driving.

Organizers stated that "SonneMondSterne" does not have a unique drug problem, viewing it as a broader societal issue. The festival also saw approximately 20 reported thefts and some instances of bodily harm, though police confirmed no severe injuries occurred. The local district office offered free, anonymous alcohol and drug tests to attendees before their departure, aiming to help them assess their fitness to drive after days of festivities.