Press releases
World Drum Festival: Registration begins
14. October 2025
On Saturday, November 8th 2025, the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, in cooperation with the Cultural Office of the City of Mannheim and the European drum and percussion association “Percussion Creativ,” will host the eleventh World Drum Festival. The World Drum Festival is curated by Anika Nilles. Registration for the World Drum Festival 2025 is now open.
“I am delighted to be taking on the artistic direction of the World Drum Festival again this year. You can look forward to a varied program full of exciting contrasts – from traditional rhythms to modern soundscapes. The Popakademie will become a stage for diversity – be there!” says Anika Nilles, Artistic/Technical Advisor & Project Manager for Drums at the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg. Nilles will be touring with Canadian rock band Rush in 2026. The band announced their reunion in October – more than ten years after their last concert.This year's lineup includes: Felix Lehrmann (drums), Jost Nickel (drums), Claus Hessler (drums), Theresa Stark (drums/hybrid), Diego Piñera (drums/percussion), Murat Coşkun (framedrum).
WORLD DRUM FESTIVAL Saturday, November 8, 2025
1:30 p.m. Welcome Room 001
1:45 p.m. Masterclass Forum 1 (45 min)
Felix Lehrmann | Room 001
Claus Hessler | Room 4152:45 p.m. Masterclass Forum 2 (45 min)
Jost Nickel | Room 001
Diego Piñera | Room 4154:00 p.m. Masterclass Forum 3 (45 min)
Murat Coşkun | Room 001
Theresa Stark | Room 415From 6:00 p.m. Concert
With Lilo Prochotta (drums/hybrid), Felix Lehrmann (drums), Jost Nickel (drums), Claus Hessler (drums), Vanessa Porter (percussion), Theresa Stark (drums/hybrid), Diego Piñera (drums/percussion) Participation is free of charge, but registration is requested:
https://www.popakademie.de/de/events/world-drum-festival/anmeldung/