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Cologne in a state of emergency: drugs, concerts and festivities this week!
Exciting events are coming up in Cologne: drug policy at Neumarkt, concerts, anniversaries and festivals between 11th and 17th. August.
Cologne in a state of emergency: drugs, concerts and festivities this week!
What is the situation on Neumarkt? Today, August 11th, the main committee of the city council is dealing with the drug problem on the popular square in Cologne. A Application from the Greens, CDU and Volt aims to shed light on the impact on drug users, public order, safety and the complaints of residents and businesses. Meanwhile, the situation on site is anything but reassuring. Passers-by are noticing a noticeable increase in the number of visibly intoxicated people, some of whom are consuming their drugs directly in the square in front of the Central Library construction site.
Business owners appear to be particularly affected, as they often witness open drug trafficking and aggressive begging. This is what Mehmet Kizil, who has been running a bakery at Josef-Haubrich-Hof for 14 years, says. He plans to give up his shop due to the disastrous conditions around his place of business. Walter Schuch, who runs a shop nearby, also describes the corner as a hotspot for junkies, where not only drug dealing but also fights and prostitution are the order of the day. “The corners here are even used as toilets,” says Schuch. Current drug policy faces major challenges. Above all, the number of drug-related deaths in Cologne has risen by two thirds in the last five years - an alarming trend that has put the city on alert. Review online reports 83 “drug-related deaths” recorded by police.
Cultural highlights in the city
But not only social issues are on the agenda. Music lovers also have reason to be happy. Pop singer Shawn Mendes will give his only solo concert in Germany on Tuesday, August 12th at the Lanxess Arena in Deutz. From 7:30 p.m., fans can expect songs from his latest album “Shawn” and five other studio albums. The popular grape and hop festival begins on August 15th on the Rhine promenade between the Hohenzollern Bridge and Bastei. From Friday to Sunday, visitors can enjoy numerous local and international specialties - from potato pancakes to homemade quiches.
Cologne is celebrating its anniversary
Another highlight on August 15th will be the Cologne double anniversary of Cologne Cathedral and 1. FC Cologne. The 77th birthday of the FC and the 777th anniversary of the cathedral will be celebrated at a fan service from 12 p.m., for which a free ticket is required. This celebration is a nice occasion to come together and appreciate Cologne culture.
The next few days will also feature an open-air concert by Bläck Fööss on Saturday, August 16th, as well as an annual street festival in the Agnesviertel, which is all about music and being together in the neighborhood. Viktoria Köln and 1. FC Köln each have DFB Cup games in sight on Sunday, August 17th, which will delight football fans. While Viktoria Köln plays against SC Paderborn 07 at 1 p.m., 1. FC Köln plays away against SSV Jahn Regensburg at the same time.