Suche
Mein Konto
Carnival chaos in Cologne: Small clubs fight for top acts for 2027!
The early date of the 2027 carnival artist bookings brings with it major challenges for small Cologne clubs.
Carnival chaos in Cologne: Small clubs fight for top acts for 2027!
There is currently a lot of excitement in the cathedral city of Cologne about the artist bookings for the 2027 carnival session. The reason for the uproar is the decision of the literary regulars' table to bring forward the booking phase for the coveted live acts by two months. Instead of the usual September, the inquiries started now, in July - and that has fatal consequences, especially for the smaller carnival clubs. A circumstance that was not communicated to all clubs and is now putting them in an awkward position. While large carnival clubs were able to take care of their top acts in a timely manner, many small family companies were denied access to the most sought-after artists. WDR reports that there are only a limited number of artists in Cologne who can guarantee a full meeting room - including popular bands like Bläck Fööss, Brings, Domstürmer and Kasalla.
The situation is tense: Carl Hagemann, President of KG Alt-Lindenthal, says that his company found out about the advanced bookings by chance at a presidential evening. In the 60th anniversary year, the KG had to improvise, but was unable to secure a suitable date. Their girls' meeting will take place on January 6, 2027, just three days before the proclamation - and at a time that is not very attractive. Radio Köln highlights that many of the smaller clubs are worried about their meetings because the top acts are now fully booked for them.
The concerns of small clubs
Small carnival clubs in the cathedral city rely on one or two well-known artists to fill the halls and increase visitor numbers. Missing these names could mean a significant reduction in revenue. Jessica Witte from KG Alt-Severin sees it the same way: She was able to make inquiries in a timely manner, but is aware of the difficult situation of many other clubs. The chaotic process has now also been registered with the Cologne Carnival Festival Committee, which was not involved in the booking process. Spokesman Michael Kramp admits that such an approach is not sustainable and announces a meeting of all those involved in order to create regulated processes for the 2028 booking round.
In addition, the fact that the 2026/27 carnival session is in danger due to an early Rose Monday on February 8, 2027 is causing great uncertainty. Tonight reports that the street carnival reaches its climax in Cologne on February 27th (Weiberfastnacht), with WDR even broadcasting the start of the street carnival live on TV broadcasts – all organizers must keep an eye on this crowd puller.
It remains to be seen whether the small clubs will still find the opportunity to make space in the Cologne Carnival calendar for their meetings and some of the most sought-after performances. Experience shows that there is something there, and the carnival parades through the streets of Cologne require full commitment from the organizers to keep the foolish momentum and tradition alive.