In the heart of Wrocław’s Market Square, a chorus of 8,122 guitars roared to life on May 1, 2025. The Thanks Jimi Festival, a love letter to Jimi Hendrix and the soul of strings, shattered its own Guitar World Record 2025 in Wrocław, uniting players from Poland and beyond in a symphony of “Hey Joe.”
I stood among the crowd as the Wrocław Market Square became a sea of strumming hands and swaying bodies. This wasn’t just a festival; it was a testament to music’s power to stitch souls together.
Here’s why the 2025 Thanks Jimi Festival cemented Wrocław as the City of Guitars, and how you can join the rhythm next year.
The Guitar World Record 2025: When History Was Made
Under the crisp May sky, Wrocław’s Market Square transformed into the world’s largest guitar orchestra. At precisely 4 PM, 8,122 guitarists, from amateur teens to silver-haired virtuosos, launched into Jimi Hendrix’s “Hey Joe,” followed by classics like “Smoke on the Water” and “Wild Thing.” The sound was seismic, a tidal wave of chords that echoed off Gothic spires and Renaissance facades. Organised by the Hey Joe Foundation, this 23rd edition broke the previous record (7,967 in 2023), proving Wrocław’s knack for dreaming big. By 4:15 PM, the official count was announced, and the crowd erupted, guitars raised like torches. For a moment, the Market Square felt like one giant jam session.
The festival’s roots run deep. Born in 2003, it honours Hendrix’s raw genius while celebrating Wrocław’s musical pulse. Every year, thousands flock to one of Europe’s largest squares, drawn by free entry and a chance to make history. In 2025, players wielded everything from ukuleles to mandolins, proving that passion, not perfection, fuels the record. As one guitarist told me, her fingers trembling from the final chord, “It’s not about skill, it’s about soul.” And soul is what Wrocław always delivers.
Why Wrocław’s Thanks Jimi Festival Matters?
Dubbed the “Venice of Poland” for its 130 bridges and river-laced charm, Wrocław isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in this story. The Market Square, with its candy-colored townhouses and medieval flair, feels like a huge stage built for epics. The Thanks Jimi Festival taps into this magic, blending music with community and culture. It’s part of the 3-Majówka Festival (May 1–3), which draws global stars like Deep Purple, Tommy Emmanuel, and Polish icons like Dżem to venues like Hala Stulecia. In 2025, the guitar record kicked off this three-day extravaganza, setting the tone for concerts that pulsed until midnight.
But it’s more than music. The event champions inclusivity—anyone with a stringed instrument and “Hey Joe” in their fingers can join. Registration opened at 10 AM, with volunteers checking chords at the Aleksander Fredro statue. Wristbands unlock entry and 30% off 3-Majówka tickets, a nod to the festival’s ethos: music for all.
For locals, it’s a point of pride; for tourists, it’s a reason to book flights. As I wandered the square, I saw families dancing, local breweries pouring, and guitarists swapping stories in a dozen languages. This is Wrocław at its best, a city that sings.
Your Questions About the Guitar World Record, Answered
As the chords of “Hey Joe” fade, you might be wondering how to join this musical melee or what makes it tick. Here are answers to the questions buzzing among travellers and guitarists alike.
What is the Guitar World Record in Wrocław 2025?
The Guitar World Record is the centrepiece of the Thanks Jimi Festival, where 8,122 guitarists played “Hey Joe” together on May 1, 2025, in Wrocław’s Market Square, setting a new global record. It’s free, open to all, and part of the 3-Majówka Festival.
How can I join the Guitar World Record in 2026?
Register at 10 AM on May 1, 2026, near the Aleksander Fredro statue in the Market Square, Wrocław. Bring a stringed instrument (guitar, ukulele, mandolin) and know “Hey Joe” (chords: C, G, D, A, E). Wristbands grant entry and festival discounts. Practice at home, volunteers may test your chords
Where should I stay for the Thanks Jimi Festival?
| Area | Distance from Market Square | Options | Price Range (PLN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town | 0–1 km | Hotels, hostels | 200–600 |
| Nadodrze | 1–2 km | Guesthouses, Airbnb | 150–400 |
| Centennial Hall | 3 km | Campground, budget hotels | 100–300 |
Book early for May, as 3-Majówka draws crowds. Try Hotel Monopol for luxury or Hostels Europe for budget vibes.
What’s the best time to visit Wrocław for music festivals?
May is ideal, with the Guitar World Record and 3-Majówka (May 1–3) kicking off festival season. Summer brings the Summer Guitar Festival (July) and Jazz Around Festival (August). Spring’s mild weather (10–20°C) suits exploring the city’s islands and squares.
Why is Wrocław called the City of Guitars?
Wrocław’s Thanks Jimi Festival, with its record-breaking guitar orchestras since 2003, earned the nickname. The city’s vibrant music scene, from the Market Square to Hala Stulecia, hosts global acts and local talents, making it a guitar lover’s haven.
How to Experience the Thanks Jimi Festival in 2026
Dreaming of strumming with thousands? Here’s your guide to joining the Guitar World Record and soaking up Wrocław’s festival fever.
Getting There
Wrocław’s Copernicus Airport welcomes flights from major European hubs (Ryanair, Lufthansa). From the airport, a 20-minute taxi or bus (line 106) lands you in the city centre. Trains from Warsaw (4.5 hours) or Kraków (4 hours) arrive at Wrocław Główny, a 15-minute walk from the Market Square. On May 1, free trams shuttle festival-goers to 3-Majówka venues like Hala Stulecia.
Joining the Record
- Register: Arrive by 10 AM at the Market Square’s registration point (near the Fredro statue). Bring your instrument.
- Practice: Learn “Hey Joe” (C, G, D, A, E). Free chord sheets are on heyjoe.pl.
- Gear: Pack light, acoustic guitars are easiest. A guitar storage room at Centennial Hall holds gear post-event.
- Cost: Free to join, but carry some cash for festival merch (T-shirts, pins).
Beyond the Wrocław Main Market Square
Stay for the 3-Majówka Festival (May 1–3). In 2025, acts like Al Di Meola and Europe rocked Hala Stulecia. Tickets are cheaper with a record participant wristband. Explore Wrocław’s Old Town post-festival: sip coffee at Rynek’s cafes, cross the Tumski Bridge, or marvel at the Panorama of Racławice. If you’re camping, the festival campground at Wróblewskiego Street (400m from Hala Stulecia) is budget-friendly at 50 PLN/night.
Wrocław Practical Tips for Travellers
- Pack: Comfortable shoes for cobblestones, a light jacket for May’s breeze, and a reusable water bottle.
- Eat: Try pierogi at Bar Mleczny (Rynek 20) or Żurek soup at Pod Gryfami. Budget 30–50 PLN per meal.
- Connect: Follow @gitarowy_guinness_record on Instagram for updates. Watch the live stream on Heyjoe if you can’t attend.
Wrocław’s Musical Soul: The Bigger Picture
The Thanks Jimi Festival isn’t just a record, it’s a movement. It reminds us that music transcends borders, that a single chord can spark joy in a stranger’s eyes. Wrocław, with its riverine grace and rebellious spirit, embodies this. The city’s festivals, Jazz Around, Summer Guitar, and Wroclaw Industrial, pulse with the same energy, inviting dreamers to dance, sing, and belong. With friends, we stayed at the Market Square a bit longer. The weather was warm, and the vibes were on point, which we paired with refreshing beer from Spiz! The soft echo of 8,122 strings lingered in the air. I smiled, knowing I’d return.
Will you join the Guitar World Record in 2026? Share your festival dreams below or subscribe for more tales from the road. Let’s keep the music alive.
