German-French folk festival on the central fairground (archive image) Photo: Thomas Spikermann
From Hildburg Bruns
A rollercoaster ride ends for Berlin’s showmen: They keep their central fairground on the border between Wedding and Tegel.
According to BZ information, governing Franziska Giffey (44, SPD) personally gave them the redeeming message: “Use as a possible housing location was rejected by the Senate.”
“This is the best news for our business – and for the Berliners,” says showman boss Michael Roden (60). He is certain: “There would only have been a replacement location outside of the Berliner Ring. That would have been the death knell for us.”
The idea of building it came up about a year ago. Red-Green-Red had written the area as a possible building site in the coalition agreement. There was talk of 1,500 to 2,000 apartments.
There was once an ammunition and weapons depot for the French Allies. Two decades ago, it was set up as a fairground at a cost of 10 million Deutschmarks – as a replacement for the then newly built Lützowplatz (Tiergarten).
After an on-site visit at the end of January, Giffey made her decision, which she now gave to the showmen in writing: “I believe that the various popular folk festivals in Berlin are part of cultural life, represent a significant economic factor and must continue to take place in the future. For me, of course, this includes the spatial security of necessary plots of land.”
Berlin’s Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey assures: “The fairground should remain a fairground” Photo: picture alliance / Flashpic
What made the difference? Giffey: “There are no convincing alternative locations for the fair trade within our national borders.” And: “The fairground should remain a fairground.”
The area is already fully booked this year. Alone on 92 days with spring, summer and autumn hype. On March 24th the operation starts with 140 showmen.