FAQs
- How can I register my choir for the European Gospel Festival?
Every group/choir leader can register their choir for the European Gospel Festival at www.gospel.de/anmelden via the button "New group reservation for groups ...". In the process you indicate whether the choir would like to actively participate in the programme (Participating choir) or only take part (Participating choir). The group leader will then receive a reservation code by e-mail, which they will pass on to the singers in the choir. All participants in the choir must use this code to register themselves and pay the respective participation fee immediately.
- What is the reservation code?
The reservation code is a code that is required for the registration of groups for the European Gospel Festival. Each group/choir leader receives a reservation code for their choir, which they must pass on to each participant. This reservation code contains the corresponding discount (group discount/participant discount). Without the reservation code, a discount is not possible.
- How long is the reservation code valid?
The reservation code has no validity limit. We recommend that all group participants complete the online registration for the European Gospel Festival in good time. It is possible to increase the contingent informally by sending an e-mail to service(at)creative-kirche.de .
- Where can I find my participation card?
You will find your participation card in your customer account at www.creative-kirche-shop.de from March 2026.
We will inform you of this in good time. Until March 2026, you will find an informative registration confirmation in place of your participation card.
- Do I have to print out my participation card?
You can bring your participation card with you either in printed form or as a digital version in your wallet.
- Can I take part in the Friday evening concert with a permanent participation in the European Gospel Festival?
All permanent participants can attend the concert on Friday evening on presentation of their participation card.
- Unfortunately I can't come to the European Gospel Festival after all. What do I have to do?
If you have found a replacement participant, you can either re-personalise your participation pass in your customer account to the replacement person and/or transfer the pass directly to the person. If you are unable to find a replacement participant, the following cancellation conditions apply:
Cancellations up to:
- 09.02.2026 = 100% refund of the participation fee
Cancellations from:
- 10.02.2026 = 50% refund of the participation fee
- 22.03.2026 = 20% refund of the participation fee
- 17.04.2026 = no refund
Registration for the European Gospel Festival is binding. In the event of withdrawal from the registration, cancellation fees will be charged. Any credit notes may only be issued after the European Gospel Festival.
- How can I register for a single participation in the European Gospel Festival?
This is possible on the website of the European Gospel Festival www.gospel.de/anmelden via the button "Register now as a single participant".
- What is the Mass Choir?
As the centrepiece of the European Gospel Festival, the Mass Choir is a choir of 5,000 voices that rehearse new gospel songs under professional direction. The songs of the European Gospel Festival are sung together once again during the service; there is no "performance" after the rehearsal.
- Who will conduct the Mass Choir at the European Gospel Festival 2026?
The artists conducting the Mass Choir in Stuttgart are yet to be announced. Most of them will bring completely new songs to the European Gospel Festival.
- How can I take part in the Mass Choir?
Participation in the Mass Choir is only possible as part of the permanent participation in the European Gospel Festival.
- When is the Mass Choir?
The Mass Choir of the European Gospel Festival will take place on Friday, 1 May from 16:00-19:00 and on Sunday, 3 May from 9:00-12:30.
- Where does the Mass Choir take place?
The two sessions of the Mass Choir on Friday and Sunday will take place in the Porsche-Arena.
- Where can I register for a workshop?
It is not possible to register for the workshops of the European Gospel Festival. All participants are free to choose their own workshops.
- Can it happen that workshops at the European Gospel Festival are full?
That can happen. All rooms have capacity limits. We therefore recommend arriving early at the workshop venue. The European Gospel Festival cannot guarantee participation in a particular workshop. There are enough places available to enable everyone to take part in the workshops.
- Are workshops offered more than once?
Some workshops are offered twice due to popular demand. Please refer to the programme booklet, which will be sent to the permanent participants six weeks before the European Gospel Festival. We ask all participants not to attend a workshop twice.
- What requirements should I fulfil to take part in a workshop?
Basically, all participants can take part in any workshop. Workshop descriptions that contain the addition "for advanced" or "for beginners" or similar provide an indication.
- Is there a handout for the workshops?
There will be a handout for many workshops if it makes sense for that workshop. However, there will not be one for the "Open Gospel Singing" workshops, for example. The sheet music can of course be purchased in the European Gospel Festival shop afterwards.
- When do the workshops of the European Gospel Festival start?
The workshops start on Saturday, 2 May 2026 at 10.00 am. The second slot starts at 12.00 noon, the third at 2.00 pm. Most workshops will end at 3.30 pm.
- How long does a workshop last?
A workshop usually lasts 90 minutes.
- Can I attend several workshops?
Up to three workshops can be attended in succession. Depending on how far apart the workshop locations are, it is possible to attend two to three workshops.
- Are all workshops free of charge?
All workshops of the European Gospel Festival are included in the permanent participation fee. Exceptions are special projects, for which separate registration is required.
- What is the Music Mile?
There will be several larger and smaller stages along Königstraße in Stuttgart and throughout the city centre, where choirs, bands and formations will perform on Saturday, 2 May 2026 from 11 a.m. and present the diversity of pop and gospel music. Attendance at the Music Mile events is free of charge.
- What happens on the stages?
Various choirs from all over the world will be performing on the city stages during the course of Saturday.
- Where are the city stages?
The stages of the Music Mile are located in the squares of Stuttgart's city centre, with smaller stages also along Königstraße in Stuttgart.
- How can I register for a performance?
If I would like to register as a choir, group or band for a performance at the Music Mile, the European Gospel Festival requires an informal letter of application with audio and visual examples and information about the group (size, technical/musical requirements, style....). The application should be sent to Sebastian Sendzik, sebastian.sendzik(at)creative-kirche.de , Tel. +49 2302 28222-25 by 31 December 2025 at the latest.
- Who can I contact if I have questions about my performance?
Contact person for the performances on Saturday is Sebastian Sendzik (02302-28222-25 / sebastian.sendzik(at)creative-kirche.de ).
- Our choir is registered as a "participating choir", but we no longer want to or can no longer perform. What are the consequences of this?
By registering as a "Participating choir" you have received a special discount on the participation fee. If you do not perform, we reserve the right to charge you the difference to the participating choir retrospectively.
- Who will be performing on the stages of the Music Mile?
Various choirs, bands and formations from all over the world perform on the stages of the Music Mile. Every choir/group can apply to perform.
- How long does a performance on the Music Mile stages last?
Depending on the stage location, the performances last from 45 to max. 60 minutes. The time is the gross time including set-up and departure, moderation and short sound check.
- What are the conditions for performing on the stages of the Music Mile?
In addition to an application from the choir/group, the registration of the individual group members for the European Gospel Festival is a further requirement for a performance. There is no fee for the performance. The choir's own performance should always be seen as part of the European Gospel Festival programme, which also offers programme elements such as workshops, the Mass Choir and concerts.
- What is the Night of the Choirs?
During the Night of Choirs in Stuttgart, many choirs will perform at various locations throughout the city between 19:00 and 23:00 on Saturday evening. The choirs will bring their own colourful repertoire so that you can experience the diversity of modern church music.
- How long does a choir's performance at the Night of the Choirs last?
This can vary from location to location. In general, the performances last from 40 to max. 60 minutes. The time is the gross time including set-up and departure, moderation and short sound check.
- What are the conditions for performing at the Night of the Choirs?
In addition to an application from the choir/group, the registration of the individual group members for the European Gospel Festival is a further requirement for a performance. There is no fee for the performance.
The choir's own performance should always be seen as part of the European Gospel Festival programme, which also offers programme elements such as workshops, the Mass Choir and concerts.
- How do I know which choir is performing where?
An overview of the venues and the choirs performing there will be published at the earliest 4 months before the start of the event and can then be viewed in the programme, in flyers and online.
- How do I get to the locations?
You will find the address and directions online for each location a few months before the event begins.
- How can I register for a performance?
If I would like to register as a choir, group or band for a performance at the Night of Choirs, I can do so online using the following form: Register your performance
Registration must be completed by 15.12.2025 at the latest. The European Gospel Festival requires a lot of information in order to organise the allocation of the various choirs to the communities in the best possible way. If you have any questions, please contact Sebastian Sendzik, sebastian.sendzik(at)creative-kirche.de, Tel. +49 2302 28222-25.
- What is the technical set-up of the Night of the Choirs?
The Night of the Choirs in Stuttgart is organised according to the motto "Plug'n Play". The technical equipment and arrangements are made after registration and allocation between the congregation, choir and European Gospel Festival. Every choir is welcome to bring its own technical equipment and to make it available to other groups.
- Who can I contact if I have questions about the Night of the Choirs?
Please send any questions to service(at)creative-kirche.de; 02302/28222-0 or to Sebastian Sendzik: sebastian.sendzik(at)creative-kirche.de; 02302/28222-25.
- Can friends and acquaintances who are not registered for the European Gospel Festival also come to the festival service?
Friends and acquaintances who are not registered for the European Gospel Festival are cordially invited to the festival service on Sunday. The service is free to attend.
- Can I only buy tickets for the festival service?
No tickets are required for the festival service.
- Are all venues accessible by wheelchair?
The Porsche-Arena is completely barrier-free. The accessibility of the other venues has yet to be checked. Corresponding information can be found in the programme.
- Do the people accompanying people with disabilities also have to buy a ticket?
Accompanying persons of people with disabilities (mark B) have free admission to all events at which they appear as an accompanying person. Please let us know in advance at service(at)creative-kirche.de with your request so that the accompanying person also receives a participation pass.
- I have a wheelchair - how do I register?
Persons with wheelchairs must register for the European Gospel Festival by telephone on 02302 28222-22 so that a suitable place can be reserved.
- What discount applies if I have a severe disability?
People with disabilities with a GdB of 50% or more receive a discount on the participation fee. We reserve the right to randomly check the relevant proof.
- Can I take my baby/child with me?
There are no special programmes for children at the European Gospel Festival. However, if you would like to take your baby/child with you, you are of course welcome to do so. Children up to the age of 6 who do not need a seat are admitted free of charge - but are not entitled to a seat, participation pass or other services of the European Gospel Festival. Children aged 6 and over and all children who require a seat pay the reduced entry fee and, like all other participants, must be registered for the European Gospel Festival.
- Does the European Gospel Festival also offer something for children?
There is no special children's programme or childcare at the European Gospel Festival.
- How much does it cost for children to take part in the European Gospel Festival?
From the age of 6, participation costs the reduced fee in the corresponding tariffs.
- What does the European Gospel Festival offer for young people?
As part of the European Gospel Festival, there will once again be a separate youth festival. Young people can take part in this youth festival as well as in the programmes of the European Gospel Festival. Further information will be announced at a later date.
- Is public transport included in the participation fee?
No, the festival pass for the European Gospel Festival does not entitle you to use public transport in Stuttgart. Travel tickets must be organised and paid for independently. With the Deutschlandticket you can of course use public transport in Stuttgart.
- What is the most cost-effective accommodation for my choir?
The cheapest accommodation for your choir is in the European Gospel Festival's shared accommodation in gymnasiums in the city centre. When registering, simply tick the box for shared accommodation. In addition to breakfast dishes and a towel, you will of course need to bring your own sleeping equipment such as a sleeping bag, sleeping mat or air mattress etc.
Accommodation in a gymnasium for two nights including breakfast costs €30 or €25 reduced.
- Which gymnasium will I stay in if I have booked shared accommodation?
If you decide to stay overnight in the shared accommodation, you will receive all further information about which gymnasium you will be accommodated in about 6 weeks before the start of the European Gospel Festival.
- Does the European Gospel Festival also organise hotel rooms for groups?
The European Gospel Festival works together with Stuttgart-Marketing for group enquiries. Groups can use a separate form to make an enquiry for room bookings. The form can be found here. The completed form should be sent by e-mail to hotels(at)stuttgart-tourist.de.
- How is security guaranteed during the European Gospel Festival?
The planning of the European Gospel Festival takes place in close coordination with the public authorities (public order office, police, fire brigade) of the city of Stuttgart. Events in public spaces will be adapted to the applicable safety regulations on a daily basis.
- Is the songbook included in the participation fee?
The songbook "Best of European Gospel Festival 2026" is included in the participation fee of the permanent registration and will be sent automatically with the participation documents six weeks before the start of the European Gospel Festival.
- Which songs are included in the songbook?
The songbook contains the songs that are sung in the Mass Choir of the European Gospel Festival. The songs are notated in the four SATB voices. They are rehearsed by the artists of the Mass Choir and sung together again at the festival service.
- Do I have to order the songbook when I register for the European Gospel Festival?
No. The songbook is included in the service package of the permanent registration and will be sent automatically with the participation documents six weeks before the start.
- Can I buy additional sheet music and CD material at the European Gospel Festival?
There will be a shop at the European Gospel Festival. In addition to the songbooks and CDs of the performing artists, there will also be a sheet music and CD exchange as well as merchandising articles relating to gospel music. Of course, you can also pay by card here.
- How can I cater for myself at the European Gospel Festival?
In the city centre there is a wide range of food and drink to suit every budget.
- What can I bring into the Porsche-Arena for self-catering?
For the Mass Choir rehearsals on Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, it is permitted to bring a PET bottle with a maximum of 1.5 litres of water as well as small sandwiches and fruit cans.
- How else can I cater for myself in the Porsche-Arena?
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at the venue.
