Roskilde Festival 2025 has concluded, following a week of sold-out shows, extreme weather conditions, and prominent displays of artist activism. The festival experienced record-breaking heat, followed by heavy rain and thunderstorms, yet still managed to sell out.

Despite the weather challenges, the festival was marked by artists using their platforms to address political and social issues. Mø’s concert featured a surprise appearance by climate activist Greta Thunberg, who staged a demonstration. Activism was also evident during other performances, including that of the Irish band Fontaines D.C.

Signe Lopdrup, Roskilde Festival’s CEO, emphasized the festival’s commitment to artistic freedom of expression. She stated that the artists’ political statements were “not an expression of the festival’s position,” but rather the individual artists’ voices. Lopdrup highlighted that the festival has always provided a space for artists to express themselves on political and social issues, even when disagreements are significant.

Lopdrup also noted that the festival was generally calm and expressed satisfaction with the sell-out, which occurred later than usual. She attributed the sell-out to a program that resonated with the times and brought together the large community at Dyrskuepladsen.

The weather was a dominant theme throughout the festival, with conditions shifting from sunshine and heat to rain, thunder, and cold. While some concerts were postponed due to lightning, the overall execution of the festival proceeded as planned.

A significant focus this year was on universal design and creating a more accessible festival. For the first time, a concert on Orange Stage was sign language interpreted, allowing deaf individuals to experience Artigeardit’s performance in a new way. Lopdrup noted that this year’s program reflected the engagement of contemporary artists with current agendas.

As the music fades, the focus now shifts to a large-scale clean-up operation. Lopdrup explained that the festival city, built in fourteen days, would be dismantled even faster, followed by a thorough clean-up period lasting several months. She also highlighted the increasing effectiveness of festival guests in sorting waste in the camps, which aids in the clean-up efforts.

Looking ahead, planning is already underway for next year’s festival. Lopdrup affirmed that sustainability and accessibility would remain key priorities, with efforts to enhance opportunities for participation in various ways. She concluded by stating that many exciting plans are in store for the next edition of Roskilde Festival.