Traditionally with a ship’s horn and ship’s bell, this year’s Kiel Week was officially opened on Saturday evening by Mayor Ulf Kaempfer and Prime Minister Daniel Günther. Three million visitors are expected to attend the big sailing event in the state capital by June 25th.
The Prime Minister of the West African island state of Cape Verde, José Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva, and Elin from Sesame Street, together with Lord Mayor Kampfer, let the maritime cast-off signal “long-short-short-long-short-short- long” sound. The traditional “glazing” of the opening ceremony – three double strikes and a single strike of a ship’s bell – had previously been taken over by Schleswig-Holstein’s Prime Minister Günther (CDU). He was joined by Samson from Sesame Street – the TV show celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023. Extreme sailor Boris Herrmann was connected via video from the Ocean Race of the sailors.
“Are you in the mood for the Kiel Week?” Günther called twice to the thousands on the fully occupied town hall market. The reaction was clear: you have. “It’s fantastic to be here,” said Correia e Silva. “All this exceeds my expectations.” The head of government said his country wanted to be represented at the Kieler Woche on the international market next year.
Thousands of people at the start on the fjord
Hours before the official opening, thousands of people strolled through the Kiel Week in the best weather. “It seems to be a very good week,” said a city spokeswoman. Kiel’s Lord Mayor Ulf Kampfer (SPD) promises for the next nine days: “Everything we know and love about Kiel Week will be there – but we’re going to top it off on many things.”
Until the final fireworks on Sunday next week, the city expects several million guests from all over the world to the largest summer festival in Northern Europe and major sailing event.
Lord Mayor Fighter: Living inclusion at Kiel Week
What is particularly important to the city of Kiel this year became clear at the official opening, because Elin from “Sesame Street” was on the stage: The newcomer to the popular television show is in a wheelchair. The Kiel Week 2023 is all about active inclusion, Kampfer commented on the selection of the guest stars.
The appearance of Elin from “Sesame Street” at the opening was particularly important to those responsible.
The Buddie network is also intended to provide people with disabilities with a voluntary partner so that they can take part in events. Separate accompanying trips for wheelchair users are also offered for the regattas.
The police rely on a tried-and-tested operational concept
According to the police in Kiel, it is well positioned to ensure that all visitors to Kiel Week have a peaceful stay. This is to be ensured by three mobile guards at the main station, at the Kleinen Kiel and at the Kiellinie at the Ostseekai, as well as extensive foot squadrons. In addition, the police had already issued a ban on staying in the event areas against several people who had recently become the focus of the police due to violent behavior.
Drivers have to be prepared for roadblocks and speed limits in the city center during the Kiel Week. Some streets around Rathausplatz and the Kiellinie should also remain completely closed to trucks. Event sites are also secured by so-called big bags.
Awareness teams protection concept: Kiel Week should be even safer
In addition, trained so-called awareness teams are on the move in all event areas during the Kiel Week. Recognizable by their purple vests, they can be approached at any time if people feel unsafe in certain situations, need help or observe situations that seem strange to them. The teams can also be reached via QR codes on posters if none are in sight. Retreat rooms for the care of people seeking protection are also available on the entire Kiel Week site.
At the Ostseekai, the medical service takes care of those who have been injured but do not need to be taken to the hospital as an emergency. So the clinics should not be burdened.
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NDR 1 Wave North | News for Schleswig-Holstein | 06/17/2023 | 19:30 o’clock