Esbjerg Festival attracted over 35,000 guests

There’s no doubt that the free concerts at Torvet were the absolute hotspot, where crowds gathered to dance, sing, and enjoy the warm June air.

The highlight came on Saturday, 21 June, when around 6,500 enthusiastic guests filled Torvet during Malte Ebert’s concert. Friday, 20 June also attracted up to 6,000 people, and already during the opening weekend, between 4,500–6,000 guests attended the concerts.

“It was a week full of life, smiles, and a strong sense of togetherness. Esbjerg Festival shows what we can achieve when the entire city joins forces – and that makes me both proud and excited,” says Kirsten Bisgaard Kirchner, Head of Events at Esbjerg Municipality.

That excitement is shared by the local restaurant scene:

“We’ve had a fantastic week with great weather and happy guests. The festival brings business and good vibes – and it shows that Esbjerg is a city full of opportunities and strong community spirit. That’s why we proudly support the festival as sponsors – this is something we can and should lift together,” says Jacob Rand Jensen, owner of Dronning Louise.

The festival unites – and puts Esbjerg on the map

With 1.8 million views on Facebook during June, Esbjerg Festival has also made a strong digital impact. The festival website had nearly 400,000 visitors throughout the week. Top hits included the programme overview, Music 4 Free, the opening with Leslie, and the tribute to Johnny Madsen.

These numbers highlight that the festival not only brings people together in the city – it also generates significant buzz and positive attention for Esbjerg far beyond the municipal borders.

That’s why restaurateur Jacob Rand Jensen also has a call to action for the city’s business community:

“I would love to see even more of the city’s major companies contribute to Esbjerg Festival. Unfortunately, it’s often the same few who shoulder the financial burden year after year and ensure a successful festival.”

The mayor agrees that the festival matters:

“Esbjerg Festival is not just entertainment – it’s an investment in the future of our municipality,” says Mayor Jesper Frost Rasmussen.

“The festival is a key part of our overall focus on experiences and culture – alongside the Fantasy Festival, Suset, street art, Tall Ships Races, and Royal Run. It’s the sum of all these experiences that make Esbjerg a vibrant and attractive city.”