The Kumpaney is the group or visual face of the medieval market and they have been at it since 1991. "It has become much more than just putting on a Christmas market”, admitted Daniel Diekmann, managing director of the organizers. Over the years friendships have developed, the atmosphere has always been good and peaceful and some children have grown up - in their own ranks, but also among the visitors. "The market stands out from other Christmas markets," emphasized Mayor Franz Huhn. This brings many visitors to Siegburg, not only from the immediate region, but from all over Germany and neighboring countries. It also has a positive effect on retail business.

For the 29th edition of the Medieval Market, there will be many familiar faces on hand again with names like Lupus and Fin de Filou, juggling and making music. It is Büttel Mollinarius who ensures order in the market. "There are hot chestnuts and little apple cakes again”, Dieckmann said, pointing out the return of two stalls which were missing last year. Market visitors, however, have to do without the popular soup cook. "He is ill, but already on his way to recovery," says Dieckmann, who will be standing by Büttel for the first time as a city guard. And the fortune-teller's family will take over the soup cooking.

"Every day, the food stands will be open for one hour longer than the merchants," said Siegburg's business development manager Silke Göldner, explaining a new aspect for this year. "This time the market is expanding all the way to the monument," Dieckmann added. The "Chapiteau", a tent that can be rented in the evening for a private "Tafeley wie im Mittelalter" (table just like in the Middle Ages), will also stand there and serve as a protected seating area during the day. "A survey of market visitors last year showed that they wanted more seating options," says Göldner. New roofed and illuminated bar tables are also to provide more cosiness.

This year’s market will once again have well-established music and juggler groups, but it will also have some new features. For example, the Festival of Minstrels, Jugglers and Vagrants on Saturday, December 14 will replace the previous Rauhnacht celebration. In conjunction with the long shopping night in Siegburg, the jugglers will compete for the title of king. "The market in Siegburg is a special one", emphasized juggler Lupus, especially with the broad range of entertainment for children. In addition to daily school tours, kindergarten groups can also take part in activities with names such as “Gruselwusel” and “Fest vor dem Feste”, as well as birthday celebrations imitating those in the Middle Ages.

(Orig. text: Nadine Quadt, Translation: ck)