Cranger Kirmes returns for 542nd edition with heightened security after Berlin attack

Festival overview

The 542nd Cranger Kirmes, billed as North Rhine-Westphalia's largest folk festival and Germany's biggest family fair, opens on Thursday, 6 August, along the Rhine-Herne Canal in Herne. Under the slogan "galaktische Cranger Kirmes" (Galactic Cranger Fair), the 11-day event will feature roller coasters, carousels, a Ferris wheel, a looping swing, a water ride, bumper cars, and a ghost train. Organisers expect more than four million visitors. A dozen rides are dedicated to children.

Official opening and parade

While rides begin spinning on Thursday afternoon, the official start is Friday with the traditional barrel tapping in the festival hall. Mayor Frank Dudda (SPD) will be joined by a celebrity guest, whose name is to be announced on Tuesday. Last year, Federal Finance Minister and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil attended. The grand parade on the first Saturday will involve over 50 marching and music groups and nearly 110 themed floats, drawing an estimated 120,000 spectators.

Security heightened after Berlin attack

Following the 25 July attack at Berlin's Christopher Street Day celebrations that left one dead and 31 injured, security has been tightened. City spokesman Jochen Schübel said the safety concept was re-examined and no gaps were found.

“The Cranger Kirmes is one of the most highly secured events in all of Germany.”

A total of 470 truck barriers will be deployed around the festival grounds. Schübel noted that, to his knowledge, no other event in Germany uses more. The security plan is reviewed annually, with discussions on further improvements starting a month after the fair ends, involving city, police, fire brigade, and German Red Cross representatives.

What's next

The celebrity guest for the barrel tapping will be revealed on Tuesday, 4 August. The fair runs through 16 August, with daily attractions and evening parties.