Dispute over Deutzer Kirmes: Leverkusener appeals!

Dispute over Deutzer Kirmes: Leverkusener appeals!

The anticipation for the popular folk festivals could dissolve in Cologne this year. A dispute over Deutzer Kirmes causes excitement among the Cologne showmen and organizers. The Leverkusen organizer, who organized the 2024 fun fair, appealed a complaint against the decision of the Rhineland awarding chamber, which had not objected to the award for the upcoming fun fair. This reports Radio Leverkusen.

The negotiations are of crucial importance, since the community of Cologne Showmen (GKS) announces their horror about the situation and fears the impending consequences for the autumn and spring festivals 2025 and 2026. Due to the ongoing legal problems, the fun fair could be laid in a smaller form to Cologne-Rodenkirchen, which could cause considerable damage to both the city and for the showmen.

Litigation and its effects

In the course of the procedure, the outstanding of the Leverkusen organizer also questioned the reliability of a competitor, and there were complaints in connection with the Mülheim fair in 2024. However, the procurement chamber rejected all the complaints from the applicant and gave the Cologne award procedure as much back as possible. According to the Cologne District Government (https://www.bezreg-koeln.nrw.de/verabekammer-rheinland-Schliesst-Schlies-Demeutzer-Kirmes-AB), the decision has not yet been obtained, since the applicant can file a complaint at the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court.

If there is no further contestation, the city of Cologne could soon grant the contract for the fun fair and thus possibly clear some of the concerns of the Cologne showmen out of the way. The long -term traditions and the economic relevance of folk festivals in Germany - after all, almost 190 million visitors are counted - are the basics on which the showmen insist. Requirements for the stands are based on criteria such as awareness, newness and environmental compatibility, as well as Kulturgut Volksfest.

meaning of the fun 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 in view of the current situation, it is clear: there is something in the air. A review shows that 90 % of the stands for folk festivals are awarded by municipal administrative authorities and that the corresponding application criteria have become stricter in recent years.

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

While the showmen are fighting for their existence, the population is excited to see how the legal disputes will develop and whether this will soon become a reality.