Maschseefest 2014: Around the world in 19 days! (16.07.2014)

The 29th edition of Lower Saxony’s largest open-air festival—which drew 2.2 million visitors to Hanover in 2013—is taking on an international flair this year. Under the motto “Around the World in 19 Days,” this year’s festival features a new culinary concept with dishes from various countries and cultures. From sushi to Caribbean delicacies to Mexican, Spanish, Greek, and Italian specialties—the Maschseefest invites you on a mouthwatering 19-day journey around the world. And that vacation vibe comes free of charge!

“As a cosmopolitan and international trade fair city, Lower Saxony’s largest folk festival is well-suited to demonstrating its connection to the world through global delicacies,” says Hans Christian Nolte, managing director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG), the company that organizes the festival.

Why travel far away? A break from everyday life is right here! The new dining concepts offer regional specialties from around the globe: from Sylt to Japan, from Miami to the Caribbean—the restaurants, food stands, and bars invite you to discover new cultures.

Those who begin their culinary journey on the north shore of Lake Masch will be whisked away by “Bar SU-shin” to distant Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun. The focus here is on freshly prepared sushi, a delicacy of traditional Japanese cuisine that leaves you wanting more. After Japan, it’s “Welcome to Miami”! Florida specialties like Surf ’n’ Turf take guests on a culinary detour to the metropolis of the American South. For the first time, Smeraldo is introducing its Italian concept featuring antipasti, grilled lobster, and many other specialties. The area around the Hellebardier also has a new operator: Costa-Mekito adds Caribbean flair with exotic pasta dishes and falafel skewers. And don’t forget: The Seehaus Beer Garden, the “Bähren-Starken” Leuchtturmeck, the TUI Pavilion, the Aresto Restaurant, and the Sylt Lounge & Madsack See-Salon are once again offering dining options this year tailored to the new, international concept.

At Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer, the journey takes you to the Caribbean: Fresh coconuts, Caribbean-style stir-fry, and exotic fruits offer a pure beach vibe in the Caribbean village. Alongside all these international dishes and new food stands, the Maschsee Festival’s classics haven’t been forgotten either. True to the motto “New cuisine meets time-honored favorites,” Gosch-Sylt is back at the Geibeltreff on the east shore, and Clichy offers French gourmet classics like salmon tartare and scallops—with a view of the lake included. The Hamborger Veermaster, the Reeperbahn’s oldest restaurant and lively hangout, is also back on board. Fishing nets, torches, and seafood specialties evoke the romance of seafaring!

The South Pier transports Maschseefest visitors to the Mediterranean. At Plaza Mediterraneo, in addition to falafel stands, tapas, and sangria, there’s an exciting lineup of events: from cooking demonstrations and fashion shows to flamenco and comedy—only the Maschseefest offers such variety! Those who’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of the north shore will find a place to relax in the “Caribbean at the Source of the Maschsee.” There, visitors can enjoy musical treats and take a break from the hustle and bustle. You can also get here easily by taking a boat ride across the lake—pure romance with a view of the lively activity along the waterfront promenade!

The journey ends on the west shore with a paella or crema catalana at Puerto Español in the Ibiza Lounge. The team from the Wasserturm Hannover offers a refreshing combination of restaurant, bar, and party here. Right next door, it’s back to Germany: the cozy Courtyard SeeBiergarten brings a taste of home to the international buzz of this year’s Maschsee Festival. Here, you can relax and reflect on the festival’s highlights. Table reservations for many venues are available at www.hannover.de/maschseefest/tischreservierung.

The lively bars and restaurants offer much more than just delicious food. Trendy DJs provide a laid-back musical backdrop to the international cuisine.

The program of events around the Maschsee promises top-notch entertainment again this year. An extraordinary variety of show highlights will be presented on the Maschsee Stage on the north shore, as well as on the main stages at Plaza Mediterraneo, the Löwenbastion, and the Maschseequelle.

The music program on the Maschsee Stage was curated by the Pavillon Cultural Center in keeping with the “world music” theme. A mix of national and international artists will put the audience in a vacation mood with the sounds of foreign cultures. On opening day (July 30), the new soul sensation Nomfusi from South Africa will ignite a fire of Afro-pop, Motown, and soul with her mesmerizing voice. On August 8, CaboCubaJazz will serve up a sizzling Latino cocktail of Cape Verdean and Cuban music. On Wednesdays, Radio Hannover takes the stage at the Maschsee: The radio station fills the breaks between live acts with well-known DJs from Hannover.

New to the South Pier, Plaza Mediterraneo offers a taste of Spain’s beaches with its mix of tapas bar, Mallorca-style parties, and live music. Among others, the girl-pop band Bellini (Aug. 9) will get guests in a festive mood.

Hannover Concerts has once again organized a lineup of thrilling musical acts for the Löwenbastion: From regulars like Lotto King Karl & The Barmbek Dreamboys (Aug. 13) to Klassik am See (Aug. 5) and Christian Steiffen (Aug. 16)—the self-proclaimed “God of Schlager”—the lineup offers a musical journey through genres from around the world.

This year, the legends of pop music will be honored at the Maschsee Spring. Top-notch cover bands like Sex in Progress (AC/DC, July 30) and The Beatles Connection (August 8) are every bit as good as their idols.

In addition to live music, the cabaret program also offers a glimpse into the traditions and cultures of the world. On Saturdays and Sundays (except August 10, when the event is dedicated to “Crazy Crossing”), the square at the Stadion pier is transformed into a stage for cabaret artists and unique street performers. Performers include the Trottellumme, Thommi Baake as “Der Bobby,” and cherry blossom vendor Gina Mei. On August 2 and 3, the Universal Compressed Air Orchestra will demonstrate how to coax crazy sounds out of unique musical contraptions. England’s most charming street performer, Andy Snatch, will set up his slackline on August 16 and 17, combining original juggling with British “cheekiness.” With plenty of wit, charm, and skill, these street performers will put a smile on the faces of Maschsee Festival visitors.

Once again, the 81-meter-high “Maschsee Skyliner” comes highly recommended. This year, it’s at a new location: on the forecourt of the HDI Arena. It once again offers visitors a breathtaking view of the lake spectacle and all of Hanover with its many sights.

During the three festival weekends, the Maschsee Stage on the north shore will be hosted by local radio stations radio ffn, Antenne Niedersachsen, and RADIO 21. On August 1, radio ffn will kick off the first party night of the Maschsee Festival with a real showstopper: Mallorca star Mickie Krause will present his new album, “Ein Wort sagt mehr als 1000 Bilder.” Antenne Niedersachsen will host the second festival weekend with host Kaya Laß. The host will be at the turntables alongside DJ Oli Gerritzen and will also take the live stage as the lead singer of the Antenne Niedersachsen Band. RADIO 21 will bring the house down one last time on the final weekend: Beyond Music will serve up rock and pop songs from the past 30 years, while Sugarplumfairy and Re-Play will take the audience on a journey back to the era of rock ’n’ roll.

Younger visitors won’t be left out at this year’s Maschsee Festival either: They’ll become real pirates and set sail on the “üstralala” on the Maschsee from Tuesday through Thursday. The Maschsee pirate ship takes the youngest visitors on an adventure cruise featuring an exciting theatrical performance—and parents and grandparents certainly won’t be thrown overboard either! Every Wednesday and from Friday through Sunday, the large children’s play area at the HDI Arena offers a wide variety of activities. From crafts, running around, and face painting to the popular bounce house and special (music) shows, there’s everything here to make a child’s heart race. Additional play areas are located at the Maschsee spring and next to Gosch-Sylt.

Despite the varied program along the waterfront promenades—the main attraction remains the Maschsee! Maritime spectacles ranging from the action-packed Red Bull Student Boat Battle (Aug. 2) to the romantic evening torchlight swim (Aug. 9), the popular Crazy Crossing (Aug. 10), and the 5th NKR Duck-Fun(d)racing Against Leukemia (August 16) – all of these events continually showcase Hanover’s maritime paradise in a new light. 

“Welcome to a trip around the world! You’re warmly invited to enjoy the special atmosphere at Hanover’s most popular lake with friends, guests, and family,” says Hans Christian Nolte, CEO of HVG.

The official opening ceremony will take place on July 30 and will kick off a 19-day, event-filled culinary journey around the world 

For more information about the Maschseefest and the complete program, visit www.maschseefest.de or check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hannovermaschseefest.

For anyone who would like to combine the Maschseefest with a short trip to Hanover, Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH (HMTG) has put together a special lodging package as well as a discounted group rate. For more information, visit www.hannover.de/maschseefest/erlebnispakete