Massive Crowds Flood Bremen's Bürgerweide During Free Market Event - Senator Vogt Paints Optimistic Picture
The 989th Bremen Freimarket, held at Bremen Bürgerweide on November 3rd, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the city's event calendar. The 17-day celebration, filled with rides, games, food, and drink stalls, attracted a record-breaking 1.8 million visitors, marking an increase from the previous year.
The event's success was attributed to an adapted security concept, which included comprehensive video surveillance, reinforced access controls, and access barriers. The recent amendment to the local law on order and behaviour at public events in Bremen city enabled the necessary access controls at the Freimarket. As a result, the festival was predominantly peaceful.
The Bremen Ordinary Service, present at the Freimarket for the first time, contributed to an increased subjective sense of security for visitors. Two containers in the Schlachthof area handled youth protection, and the service issued a total of 1,928 warnings during the event. Access controls also confiscated various items, including clubs, stun guns, pyrotechnics, and over 600 knives.
The 2024 Freimarket saw 288 towing incidents, reflecting the high number of visitors. However, many thanks were expressed to the participating showmen, fire department, police, medical and security personnel, and service providers for contributing to the smooth running of the event.
Senator Kristina Vogt stated that the large turnout demonstrates the event's enduring fascination and great appeal. The increased security measures, evident in the enhanced police presence, surveillance technologies, and controlled entry points, ensured public safety while maintaining a balance between security and visitor experience.
Despite the challenges faced in managing large crowds, ensuring quick response to emergencies, and addressing potential threats, the 2024 Bremen Freimarket proved to be a resounding success, setting a high standard for future events.
The success of the 2024 Bremen Freimarket was not limited to its entertaining offerings, but also extended to the home-and-garden section, where attendees were able to explore various lifestyle enhancements, contributing to a memorable overall experience. In the wake of the event, organizers are already considering ways to further improve the home-and-garden area for next year's Freimarket, ensuring a continued enhancement of visitors' lifestyles.
