Festival sets New Visitor Record with over 16,500 Guests

Ticket sales running

Jochen Schäfsmeier

The Göttingen International Händel Festival has once again achieved a record number of visitors. More than 16,500 guests attended the Festival’s 96 events this year – 1,500 more than in 2025. Ticket sales revenue also significantly exceeded expectations. “Early on, it was clear that Göttingen was eagerly anticipating this year’s program. This year, festival fever gripped the entire city – with the best attendance figures in ten years as the almost inevitable result,” said Managing Director Jochen Schäfsmeier.

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All around the festival

Jury und Preisträgerensembles © Frank Stefan Kimmel

Zwei Erste Preisträger bei der "göttingen händel competition" 2026

George Petrou und FOG © Frank Stefan Kimmel

Festspiele erwarten größten Zuspruch seit 10 Jahren

ENTICEMENT

The 2026 International Handel Festival Göttingen will take place under the motto ENTICEMENT. Over twelve festival days, from May 14 to 25, during Ascension and Pentecost, the world's oldest festival for early music will entice audiences with 96 events, bringing around 550 artists to the university city on the River Leine.