How do the three cities differ?
The three locations are very different and yet similar within each city. Königsallee is an institution, both within Düsseldorf and far beyond the city limits and even state boundaries. There’s no need to explain to anyone what or where Königsallee is, which is a great locational advantage and a guarantee of success.
Presumably no one outside of Mönchengladbach has heard of Hindenburgstraße in Mönchengladbach. But in Mönchengladbach itself, it’s by far the best known street, effectively the main shopping artery. It connects the central station with the old town, where the square at Sonnenhausplatz offers pleasant relaxation in the heart of the city.
Cologne is the largest of the three cities with so many squares and event sites. The festival takes place on the forecourt of the Chocolate Museum and around the Sport and Olympia Museum – two tourist hotspots. In recent years, the Rheinauhafen harbour district has become increasingly popular with a lively culinary scene. And then there’s the Rhine – the beating heart of Cologne. What could be better for any Cologne resident than sitting by the Rhine with a local beer or glass of wine and some delicious food? (winks)
And what about organisation, planning and implementation? Are there different conditions, desires, requirements?
Yes, of course. Outdoor events are generally a challenge because nothing is on site to start with. Every cable, every screw has to be put in place. In Mönchengladbach, the conditions are very good. There’s very little disruptive traffic, and the site we use is very compact and manageable. The steepness of the streets means everyone involved burns plenty of calories, but everything can be set up and dismantled relatively quickly here. In Cologne, we rent the site from three different parties so a lot of coordination is required. No traffic is allowed on site here – on the one hand a blessing as it makes construction and dismantling easier. On the other hand, access for food trucks and deliveries is more difficult.
Königsallee in Düsseldorf is the greatest challenge logistically. Heavy car, bike and pedestrian traffic during construction and dismantling make our service providers sweat. Combined with the sheer size of the event, it means we have to make a start on the first construction measures on the Sunday before the event. But in every case, when the last tent has been put up and the last cable laid, that lovely moment comes when the first visitors arrive and things are finally underway!
