Germany's largest lake festival has kicked off

This Wednesday, the 38th Maschsee Festival officially opened in Hanover. From July 30 through August 17, the shores of Lake Maschsee will be transformed into a vibrant festival area for 19 days. Germany’s largest lake festival delights visitors with a variety of cuisines from around the world, more than 200 live performances on multiple stages, and a diverse program for children and families.

Classics such as the popular duck race and the atmospheric torchlight swim are once again part of the program, along with exciting new additions. One of this year’s highlights is the Maschsee Tower, which stands about 75 meters tall and will offer breathtaking views for the first time on the plaza in front of the Heinz von Heiden Arena.

Festive start with a mix of sun and clouds

Amid a lively atmosphere and a refreshing summer temperature of 20 degrees, the Maschseefest was symbolically opened at 6:00 p.m. Surrounded by colorful stilt walkers, acrobats, and live musicians, Hannover’s Mayor Belit Onay and André Lawiszus, Managing Director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG), ceremoniously cut the blue ribbon—accompanied by numerous guests.

Mayor Belit Onay: “Hanover is ready!”

“The Maschsee is located in the heart of the city, and the people of Hanover have taken it to their hearts—and the same goes for the Maschseefest. It has long been as much a part of Hanover’s cultural DNA as the Schützenfest. Germany’s largest lake festival attracts people from near and far with its unique atmosphere. We’re looking forward to a big, diverse, peaceful, and colorful festival. Hanover is ready,” says Onay.

André Lawiszus, who has been in charge of operations at the Maschsee Festival since 2011 and is responsible for it as Managing Director of the HVG for the first time this year, is also delighted with the successful start:

"There is a lot to discover on all four banks - from new restaurants to very special places of enjoyment, such as the newly designed west bank with Aperitivo Bay."

The Maschseefest has long been more than just a regional open-air festival - as a food festival, it has developed into a real cultural event with international appeal. With its maritime flair in the middle of the city, it feels like it extends the summer vacations in Lower Saxony by two and a half weeks.

Around two million visitors are expected to attend Hanover's biggest summer festival again this year.

Photos for press download can be found at

https://www.maschseefest.de/presse/