Tree Blossom Festival in Werder an der Havel Photo: Parvets
From BZ/dpa
After a realignment of the tree blossom festival in Werder an der Havel, according to the city, the number of crimes has fallen sharply.
The event had hit the headlines in the past for alcohol excesses and acts of violence. At the end of the ten-day festival, fireworks were planned on Monday evening.
Crimes “dropped to around a third of previous festivals”
“The 144th Tree Blossom Festival was the safest for many years. The state police have confirmed to us that as of Monday afternoon, the crime rate has dropped to around a third of previous festivals,” said Mayor Manuela Saß (CDU) on Monday’s final day, according to a statement. When it comes to security, a “giant font” has succeeded. The organizers also announced on May 1st that they would continue to work on improvements in the future.
After a three-year break, the small town on the outskirts of Potsdam had opted for a new concept for the traditional festival for the first time: Away from a mass event and too much partying. A smaller and more traditional event with more culture was planned.
“The major issues have been launched this year. The conditions were created to set up the festival really well in the coming years,” said First Deputy Christian Große. The city will continue to work on the concept for the 145th Tree Blossom Festival without getting bigger. Large said: “The family theme can be expanded. When it comes to supply, we have to make adjustments. Some providers also had to do with the restart after the corona break.”
Buses and trains with visitors to the festival were sometimes jam-packed. That’s why there were also special trips by ship directly to the tree blossom festival. Since 1879, fruit growers in Werder have invited visitors to look around their plantations and celebrate the blossoming of apple or cherry trees and berry bushes.