In general, my impression of this year’s Wave-Gotik-Treffen (WGT) was that it was once again the remarkable convergence of two distinct worlds—the people of Leipzig going about their routine and the visitors to the WGT, with their mind-bending array of stylistic choices.
This fusion creates an incredible, almost surreal, atmosphere that envelops me in a delightful bubble for a few days, as I attend and capture the festival’s events. The interactions between these two groups and their mutual kindness and fascination with each other are the most captivating aspect that Leipzig has to offer. It was on full display as the WGT reached its 30th edition in late May, as you can see in the photos.
Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023 Recap
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Victorian Picnic: one of the festival’s most popular events
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Scene from the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park on 26 May 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan, Matt and friends during the Victorian Picnic. Photo by David Simon.
Concerts: a hub for dozens of gothic-influenced genres
In order of appearance in the slideshow:
- Lord of the Lost
- Rosegarden Funeral Party
- For All the Emptiness
- TRAITRS
- Elvenking
Lord of the Lost plays Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Lord of the Lost plays Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Lord of the Lost plays Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Lord of the Lost plays Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Rosegarden Funeral Party plays Täubchenthal during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Rosegarden Funeral Party plays Täubchenthal during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Rosegarden Funeral Party plays Täubchenthal during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
All the Emptiness (Canada) plays at Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
All the Emptiness (Canada) plays at Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
TRAITRS play Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
TRAITRS play Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
A shot of the crowd during the Elvenking concert at Felsenkeller during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
The Fight of Knits at Moritzbastei during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
The Fire Spectacle at Moritzbastei during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon.
Südfriedhof Wedding
On Friday, I had the opportunity to meet WGT enthusiasts Jordan and Matt at the Victorian Picnic, where they were celebrating their friend’s birthday. This brief encounter served as a precursor to the main event on Sunday—their wedding ceremony.
The wedding took place in the west chapel of the Südfriedhof, with an intimate gathering of friends and like-minded individuals. It was a truly remarkable and one-of-a-kind occasion.
The atmosphere in the chapel was charged with emotion as Jordan and Matt exchanged their vows. Their choice of vows from the film Corpse Bride added a unique touch. What unfolded before my eyes was not merely the union of two souls, but a powerful testament to the strength of love and the freedom to express it in their own extraordinary way. They utterly embraced their individuality and celebrated their connection.
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon. 
Jordan and Matt’s wedding during Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2023. Photo by David Simon.
As the festivities ended, Jordan and Matt embarked on their new journey as a married couple, returning to the United States with the cherished memories of an unforgettable wedding. Their love story serves as a poignant reminder that love, fueled by passion, has the ability to transcend boundaries and create extraordinary moments that will be treasured forever.
All photos taken by David Simon, LeipGlo Art Director.
