Service criticised Carnival atmosphere in Bonn
Bonn · A carnival atmosphere in summer: there were enthusiastic celebrations at the “Jeck im Sunnesching” festival in the Rheinaue in Bonn at the weekend. All 20,000 tickets were sold. However, not everyone was happy.
“This can absolutely compete with carnival,” says Julia Winkler. Dressed as a Ninja turtle, she attended the “Jeck im Sunnesching” summer festival in the Rheinaue in Bonn with friends on Saturday. By late morning, the atmosphere on the meadows was already electrifying. A group in Where’s Wally costumes jumped and was singing along loudly in time to the music. “The best thing is that in this weather you can dress much better because you don’t need to worry about freezing your backside off,” thinks Kerstin Bagger. The Bonn native was attending the festival for the first time after being persuaded by a friend. “I was also in Cologne three years ago,” reveals Nadine Nordmann. She simply loves carnival.
Many feel the same as Nordmann: as in previous years, “Jeck im Sunnesching” in Bonn was sold out. On Friday, all 20,000 tickets had been sold.
The original idea for the festival came from the Gaffel brewery in Cologne. Increasing numbers of caterers took part and filled the long gap between the start and end of the fifth season. In 2016, the founders paved the way for the small festival to become a large event. First, the festival moved from Cologne’s Jungpark to the Rheinaue in Bonn to allow more people to take part in the crazy costume party. “We are now twice as big,” says Michael Kastens, the summer festival’s organiser. “Jeck im Sunnesching” has become a brand. Many visitors wear the festival’s logo, a red nose with sunglasses, on sweatbands, t-shirts, sports bags and braces.
With Querbeat and young bands like Kasalla, the event strikes a chord with young people in particular, believes Kastens. He and his team promote ‘Kölsch’ music and offer the big stage not only to national greats such as Brings but also to lesser-known bands. “It’s not carnival in summer,” emphasises Kastens. “We are a fun summer festival with ‘Kölsch’ music.”
However, many visitors see “Jeck im Sunnesching” differently. “Summer and carnival: everything I like in one day,” rejoices Julia Winkler and adds a carnival policy request. “Carnival should be postponed to late summer,” says the Cologne native. Costumes and atmosphere are the priority for many. “The time between one carnival and another is simply too long,” believes Andreas Hausmann.
“Our ‘Kölsch’ music is completely different to classic carnival music,” emphasises Michael Kastens. More pop, less marching music. Carnival revellers were able to enjoy ‘Kölsch’ music and plenty of sunshine until 8pm on Saturday in the Rheinaue.
However, there was criticism about the drinks supply. Water for visitors apparently ran out at distribution stands. Those celebrating also complained about long waiting times at bars and a slow service.
(Original text: Elena Kuss. Translation: kc)
