What you need to know Information for Rhine in Flames 2019 in Bonn
Bonn · Coming up this first weekend in May, it’s time for Rhine in Flames, a huge event along the Rhine and a highlight of the year for many. It ends with a magnificent fireworks display on Saturday. For some background on the event and where to find detailed information in English, read on.
On Saturday, May 4, it will once again be time: Under the theme "Freedom - tearing down walls, overcoming borders", hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents along the Rhine between Bonn and Bad Hönningen will be celebrating "Rhein in Flammen” (Rhine in Flames). Festively lit river boats will be cruising along the Rhine. There will also be events and entertainment in cities along the Rhine.
Traditionally, the boat convoy for Rhine in Flames begins in Linz - but in 2019 it will be different. This year, the city of Bad Hönningen is celebrating its 1000th birthday. To celebrate this jubilee, the route will be extended to Bad Hönningen and Bad Breisig.
The boats will start in Bad Hönningen and then pass by the red Bengali fires on the banks of the Rhine as they make their way to Bonn. In Bad Hönningen, the entire first weekend in May is a celebration. It starts on Friday in the Sprudelhalle (spa hall) in Bad Hönningen: Twelve members of a Cologne carnival troupe take the stage as the largest cabaret ensemble in Germany. On Saturday, the starting signal is given for the boat convoy. Bläck Fööss and other well-known German bands will also be taking part in the entertainment program.
The fireworks
The fireworks are the heart of "Rhine in Flames". More than 200 years ago, the cities along the Rhine were already organizing colorful fireworks in honor of high-ranking personalities. Back in 1845, Queen Victoria was already soaking up the atmosphere. The highlight on Saturday evening is the closing fireworks display, which take place simultaneously to music. It begins at 11:15pm.
Largest sing-a-long of all time
A world record is also expected to be set: Jürgen Harder, who is responsible for the music program, wants to organize the biggest sing-a-long concert of all time. On Saturday, Björn Heuser will set the beat and hopefully conduct 100,000 singers.
The theme of freedom will also be captured in the great fireworks display. More than 25,000 single fireworks will be launched to coincide with the music. And there will be dialogue between a grandfather and his grandson with a German dub of the original passages from Bruce Willis. Musically, the songs "Freiheit" (Freedom) by Marius Müller-Westernhagen and "Hinter dem Horizont" (Behind the Horizon) by Udo Lindenberg will accompany the fireworks event.
For the first time there will be an event App for Rhine in Flames. Information about the stage entertainment, site plan, locations of first aid stations, toilets and access points will be on the App. The free App will soon be available for IOS and Android.
If you want to be on the river for the event, tickets for boat trips are available at www.rhein-in-flammen.com.
Information in English
It gets extremely crowded near the Rhine on Saturday evening, and parking becomes difficult. Public transportation is a good option, with extra services running. For further information about how to get there, parking, public transportation, accommodation, package deals and more, there is an English language website available: https://www.rhein-in-flammen.com/home_gb.html
Orig. text: ga.de, ck
Translation: ck
