30. Internationales 1. Mai Fest

In the organizer's words:

Faust has been presenting the International May Day Festival for thirty years. It has become a permanent fixture among our city's May Day celebrations. Once again this year, a colorful program has come together that has it all: In addition to a top-class music program on the main stage and the KiezKultur stage with artists* from all genres and the obligatory children's and cultural program, international food, drinks, information stands and much more will be offered on the Faust meadow.

Live with Batbait, CF98, fab, Federhall, Gönnermusik 79, Hänsel, Hertzcasper, Kleptomatze and Bargeld_n, Lilli Belle, Mille, Pigeons, Queerchor Hannover, Ryan Cassata and other secret acts. Also children's program, international specialties and much more

Main stage

Faust meadow, start: 14:00

Batbait
(Female Garage-Rock from Zurich)

Batbait are much more than distorted guitars and driving rhythms. Here, sound unfolds that not only scratches the surface, but reveals deeper layers. Glitter in the noise. Against the Glotz. When the patriarchy falters, Batbait resonates. Accessibility is renegotiated when they shred their songs. DIY is not a style here, but a lived reality. The four musicians uncompromisingly develop their own musical language, free from conventional boundaries: Distortion, reverb swathes and clicking rhythms interweave to create a complex, multi-layered experience. Self-determination and independence take center stage. Batbait show how rock music doesn't just need a lot of space, but can be loud and angry and at the same time reflective, joyful and sensitive.

Batbait @ Instagram

CF98
(skate punk from Krakow)

CF98 are going on tour to celebrate their brand new album "Stupid Punk", and yes, it's just as loud and crazy as it sounds. Look forward to fast riffs, sweaty sing-alongs, rousing moments and at least one band member screaming "That wasn't just a phase!". This tour is basically a group therapy session for anyone who still believes that pop-punk saved their lives in 2007. Grab a ticket, put on the old Chucks, lose your voice and come along to be Stupid Punk with us!

CF 98 @ Instagram

fab
(Feminist synth-punk from Munich)

fab are a feminist synth-punk band from Munich. Their songs are against mackers, dirty potatoes and for more Chardonnay in urine. Angry, political and danceable.

fab @ Instagram

Federhall
(NNDW from Magdeburg)

Between 80s synthesizers and scratchy surf guitars, between Las Vegas casino and GDR corner pub, there's Federhall, taking another big drag from the cigarette. The line-up provides plenty of great hairstyles, outfits and cigarette butts.

Federhall @ Instagram

Hertzcasper
(Genre-busting hip-hop, soul and pop from Hanover)

Hertzcasper's music is both private and political. In their lyrics, front person Elo deals with queer identity and mental health, among other things. The large band deliberately doesn't stick to one mood, but moves between danceable beats and profound moments - sometimes soulful and warm, sometimes snotty and raw, sometimes head-nodding, sometimes fist-pumping - and thinks beyond genre boundaries. The aim is to bring people together, get them dancing and at the same time give them space to feel. Because the world needs lightness as well as a critical view.

Hertzcasper @ Instagram

Pigeons
(All-female punk rock from Berlin)

Berlin, October 2024: Five women grab their instruments and form a band - loud, direct and with a good dose of madness. Punk rock with equal parts humor, attitude and ruckus! Less than six months later, in February 2025, they are already on stage. They waste no time - why should they? The Pigeons and their lyrics are sometimes cheeky and silly, sometimes feminist and political, but always with heart and brains and a generous pinch of fun. So buckle up, it's going to get wild, it's going to get loud!

Pigeons @ Instagram

Queerchor Hanover
(A choir as a safe space with an external impact)

Queerchor Hannover is a colorful and diverse group of around 50 people between the ages of 20 and 73 from the LGBTIQ+ community. The aim is to bring queer music to the stage and to be visible as queer people in our urban society. And to be a safe space where everyone feels comfortable. The heraldic animal is the seagull - it is self-confident, intelligent, cheeky and rarely alone. There are also queer couples among seagulls and you can find them almost all over the world.

Queerchor Hannover @ Instagram

Ryan Cassata
(Singer/songwriter from the USA)

Ryan Cassata (he/him) is a multi-talented artist. An award-winning singer/songwriter, actor, performer, author, LGBTQ+ activist and transgender motivational speaker, Ryan's music and story have been featured on prestigious platforms such as The Larry King Live Show, The Tyra Banks Show, CNN, GRAMMY.com, Rolling Stone, Billboard, The New York Times, Newsweek and The NY Daily News. Ryan Cassata has performed over 800 shows as a musician and released eight critically acclaimed albums. Most notably, Ryan made history as the first openly trans artist on the "Vans Warped" tour and has graced prestigious stages such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Global Pride and SXSW.

Ryan Cassata @ Instagram

SECRET HEADLINER

to be announced!