Schwerin is planning the return of the Old Town Festival – a new start for 2026!

Schwerin is planning the return of the Old Town Festival – a new start for 2026!

Schwerin has had to forego important festivals several times in recent years. The annual Old Town Festival, a highlight in the state capital's event calendar, has now been canceled for the second time in a row. How Northern Courier reports, the city council decided on Monday that Mayor Rico Badenschier should create the conditions for the traditional celebration to be held in a dignified manner every year from 2026.

The demands of the people of Schwerin are high, and this is also reflected in the desire of many residents for the return of the old town festival. “People have a knack for celebrations and want to revive the tradition,” said city representative Stefanie Pohlner. A concept that takes the above-mentioned wishes into account and can be submitted for a decision should be developed by December 2023.

Challenges for 2025

But things don't look good for 2025. In a clear step, it became clear that the city will neither be holding an old town festival nor the city fete this year. This is done by Schwerin.news confirmed. The city administration responded to a request from the CDU parliamentary group on the subject of the Old Town Festival by saying that annual subsidies of between 60,000 and 80,000 euros would be necessary to hold a sustainable and culturally high-quality festival. However, this financial support is not guaranteed.

The city marketing company Schwerin mbH, which is responsible for the organization, is currently undergoing restructuring. A revised concept will only be developed after this restructuring has been completed. “Unfortunately, there is currently no viable concept for your 2025,” stated Mayor Badenschier.

A look into the future

Even the idea of ​​examining a collaboration with the Schwerin City Festival for 2025 came to nothing due to the financial situation and planning uncertainties. There is therefore hope for a new edition of the Old Town Festival in 2026, provided the plans are successful. This new direction could firmly anchor the Old Town Festival in the event calendar for 2026 and finally bring the popular festival atmosphere back to the people of Schwerin.

Despite the adversities, the city council is hoping for a speedy comeback. A fresh approach is planned, which will be developed together with the city marketing company. With this in mind, it will be interesting to see what the Old Town Festival will look like next year and whether it will live up to the expectations of the citizens.