Chaotic old town festival in Salzgitter: showmen sound the alarm!

Chaotic old town festival in Salzgitter: showmen sound the alarm!

The Old Town Festival in Salzgitter, which took place from June 27th to 29th, was intended to be a happy event for the whole family. But instead of cheering and celebration, there was something bubbling beneath the surface. The Irishness and the shortness of the event created a tense atmosphere among the showmen and visitors, as news38.de reports.

A popular ride, the “Break Dancer,” had to be dismantled, causing some showmen’s church spiers to rise. Many of them complained about chaotic conditions and the unprofessional behavior of the organizer, the community festival committee. One showman joined the others and recalled how unfriendly and uncooperative the event management was in responding to inquiries. In view of the many problems, the showmen are demanding more respect, structure and clear communication from the city management.

Safe festivities or red flag?

Security during the event was also a big issue. The police had to intervene several times on Friday and Saturday. Things got heated between arguments and physical attacks. An incident of public offenses in which drunken men insulted police officers highlighted the urgent need for greater order and security. On Friday evening in particular, there were several arrests, including a 22-year-old who refused to obey a ban and was taken into custody. The pepper spray incident also shocked guests. regionalheute.de recorded numerous crimes that tarnished the image of the festival.

The organizer, however, rejected the allegations and emphasized that the old town festival was approved until 11 p.m. Leaving the area early, it was explained, would not have been possible for safety reasons. The parking problem was also dismissed as a normal challenge - a responsibility that the showmen themselves had to bear.

Lessons from the situation

Concerns about safety and complaints from showmen shed light on the need to better plan and organize future events. Similar problems can also be seen when looking across state borders, as the Hesse security portal makes clear. Interior Minister Roman Poseck has launched an immediate “Security at Events” program to meet the requirements for the safe implementation of events. Particular emphasis is placed on inter-municipal cooperation in order to optimize security measures and reduce costs. Regarding the question of security in Salzgitter, it is to be hoped that the debriefing, which has already been planned, offers fruitful solutions.

Despite the challenges and the sometimes chaotic circumstances, the Old Town Festival was a reflection of what is necessary in today's world: a balanced relationship between the joy of the festival and the need for security. Whether things will go better next time remains to be seen. However, the willingness to change is a step in the right direction, entirely in the interests of visitors and showmen.