Dispute over Deutz fair: Leverkusen residents file a complaint!

Dispute over Deutz fair: Leverkusen residents file a complaint!

The anticipation for the popular folk festivals in Cologne could vanish into thin air this year. A dispute over the Deutz fair is causing a stir among Cologne's showmen and organizers. The Leverkusen organizer, who organized the 2024 fair, has lodged an appeal against the decision of the Rhineland Public Procurement Chamber, which did not object to the award of the upcoming fair. This is reported by Radio Leverkusen.

The negotiations are crucial as the Cologne Showmen's Association (gks) expresses its horror at the situation and fears the impending consequences for the autumn and spring festivals in 2025 and 2026. Due to the ongoing legal problems, the fair could be relocated to Cologne-Rodenkirchen in a smaller form, which could cause considerable damage to both the city and the showmen's businesses.

Legal dispute and its effects

During the course of the proceedings, the Leverkusen organizer's strikes also called into question the reliability of a competitor, with complaints arising in connection with the Mülheim fair in 2024. However, the public procurement chamber rejected all of the applicant's complaints and gave the Cologne tender process as much support as possible. According to the Cologne District Government, the decision has not yet become legally binding as the applicant can lodge a complaint with the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court within two weeks.

If there is no further challenge, the city of Cologne could soon award the contract for the fair and thus possibly eliminate some of the concerns of Cologne showmen. The long-standing traditions and economic relevance of folk festivals in Germany - after all, almost 190 million visitors are counted every year - are the foundations on which the showmen insist. Requirements for the stand allocation are based on criteria such as popularity, novelty and environmental compatibility, as also reported by Kulturgut Volksfest.

Importance of the fair for the region

It seems uncertain whether the Deutzer Kirmes can ultimately take place. If the preparations had continued as planned, the event could have started in its usual size. But given the current situation, it is clear: there is something in the air. A review shows that 90% of the stands for folk festivals are allocated by local administrative authorities and that the relevant application criteria have become stricter in recent years.

The showmen have enormous economic importance for events such as the fair. They not only contribute to regional identity, but also to a lively cityscape. In the context of Cologne's identity, the coming months are likely to be crucial for the future of the fair and other folk festivals in the region.

While the showmen are fighting for their existence, the population is curious to see how the legal disputes will develop and whether the event, known far beyond the city limits as a popular folk festival, will soon become a reality.