Ready for take-off: The 30th Maschseefest invites you to travel around the world

Once again this year, the Maschseefest is ready to take visitors on a culinary journey around the world. Under the theme “Around the World in 19 Days,” the festival will feature cuisines from East Asia, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and the Caribbean—but local specialties are also on the menu and itinerary. We’re almost at the runway, and takeoff is in sight: the restaurateurs at the Maschseefest are looking forward to welcoming passengers on board. The popular Temple Bar is also back again this year. After a one-year hiatus, it’s bringing Irish flair back to the Südanleger with a new team of operators.

“The international concept of the Maschsee Festival, introduced last year, was enthusiastically received and fits well with the cosmopolitan spirit of this international trade fair city and newly designated UNESCO City of Music. We invite visitors to come aboard and join us on an eventful journey around the world. The vacation atmosphere, the wide variety of culinary highlights, and the music and event attractions will delight guests from near and far,” says Hans Christian Nolte, managing director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG), which organizes the festival.

Gastronomy

After takeoff, the first stop is the Puerto Español – Ibiza Lounge on the west shore, which has been expanded to include the “Promenade Español.” Here, guests are transported to the Mediterranean with Spanish flair, salsa music, dance workshops, and traditional tapas. The next stop is the north shore, which captivates with its variety of international delicacies: the SU-shin bar showcases the delights of Asian cuisine, and Welcome to Miami! serves American classics such as monkfish and fiery spare ribs. The journey continues to Italy at Smeraldo, where the menu features antipasti and shrimp skewers, while next door, the Aresto restaurant delights the senses with winemaker’s days and a variety of Mediterranean meat and fish specialties. At Hellebadier, Costa-Mekito brings plenty of vacation flair with exotic pasta dishes and falafel skewers. In addition to international delights, however, German cuisine is also well represented on the north shore: the SeeBiergarten and Zum “Bähren-Starken” Leuchtturm-Eck are both highly recommended destinations for beer and grilled specialties. Local cuisine is also highlighted by the Bavarian classics at the Seehaus Beer Garden and the fish and meat dishes at the Sylt Lounge & Madsack See-Salon. Fruity cocktails are available at BoleroIsland on the SeeTerrassen as well as at the TUI Maschseepavillon. 

© HMTG

After an eventful stay on the north shore, the journey continues to the Caribbean. Destination? Cuba! At Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer, the Caribbean Village treats visitors to chicken curry, fresh coconuts, and Cuba Libre. If you’re looking to soak up some maritime charm, you’ll be in good hands at the Hamborger Veermaster—or Sylt am Geibel—which will win you over with their traditional seafood delicacies. Things take a French turn at Clichy, which spoils foodies with lamb chops and scallops. Need a little breather on your long journey? Pier 51 offers a chance to relax—first with a burger and then lounging in the deck chairs at Pier Beach.

Next on the itinerary is the Löwenbastion, where the Rocky Lobster and the Bavaria Royal on the east bank serve Upper Bavarian delicacies and a wide selection of fish. Anyone looking to experience authentic brewing craftsmanship should stop by the 1st Löwenbastion Brewery Festival, featuring the Gilde, Herrenhäuser, Brauhaus Ernst August, Meiers Lebenslust, and the Mashsee Brewery, from August 7 to 9.

And then it’s time to say: Welcome back to Temple Bar! The Maschsee South Pier is once again radiating Irish cheer, bringing the popular Temple Bar to life with flatbread, pancakes, and fish & chips. The journey continues to the exclusive dining experience at the Inselterrassen, which delight the palate with French-Mediterranean dishes. The final leg of the journey heads for the “Caribbean” at the source of the Maschsee, where visitors can look forward to tried-and-true classics like steak, currywurst, and more. Here, you can relive the experiences of the journey while relaxing in a lounge chair.

Reservations can be made at www.hannover.de/maschseefest/tischreservierung. From Monday through Saturday, regular hours begin at 2 p.m.; on Sundays, they start as early as 11 a.m. The West and East Food Miles offer additional delicacies from near and far. For example, the menu features Danish hot dogs and soft-serve ice cream, Moroccan and Asian dishes, as well as snack classics like crêpes and grilled sausages. New this year: The Maschseefest goes vegan! At two stands, visitors can look forward to 100% vegan dishes such as seitan goulash, soy stir-fry, vegan Mettbrötchen, or an Armenian organic mushroom and potato stir-fry.

Music program

© HMTG / Kevin Münkel

But after this culinary journey around the globe, it’s certainly not time to think about flying home just yet! Musically, too, visitors to the Maschsee Festival are taken on a trip around the world: On the Maschsee Stage on the north shore, as well as on the stages at the Temple Bar, the Löwenbastion, and the Maschseequelle, a wide variety of concert highlights awaits them—featuring acts from all over the world. All concerts are free for visitors!

Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG), in cooperation with the Pavillon Cultural Center, is presenting a colorful mix of international and local bands and sounds on the Maschsee stage. The newly designated “UNESCO City of Music” will welcome two ensembles from European cities that also hold this title: The Voodoo Sound Club from Bologna will face off against Brazzo Brazone from Hanover on August 2, and top-notch flamenco from Seville will be featured with Choni Cía. Flamenca on August 16. This exciting mix of danceable, international, and local rhythms runs through the entire music program on the Maschsee Stage. On opening day itself, Shanaya will blend German-language pop with Middle Eastern rhythms, and the passionate singer Armando Quatronne, along with his band, will combine fresh remakes of Italian classics with reggae. Other musical highlights include swing & jazz by Juliano Rossi (Aug. 2), Latin rock jazz by Labana (Aug. 7), Tex-Mex roots rock by Patricia Vonne (Aug. 7), reggae & bossa nova by Da Cruz (Aug. 9), Gypsy swing by Django Deluxe (Aug. 9), swing & mambo by Rosario Smowing (Aug. 12), and folk-pop by Inge van Calkar (Aug. 16). The salsa sensation Soneros de Verdad (Aug. 16)—also known as the second generation of the Buena Vista Social Club—spreads good cheer and plenty of vacation vibes.

During the three festival weekends, the private radio stations radio ffn, Antenne Niedersachsen, and RADIO 21 will take the reins at the Maschsee Stage on the north shore. radio ffn kicks things off, with Johannes Oerding as the highlight of the first evening (July 31). On the second festival weekend, Antenne Niedersachsen host Kaya Laß will be on stage with DJ Oli Gerritzen at the turntables and also as the lead singer of the Antenne Niedersachsen Band. RADIO 21 will get the crowd going on the third festival weekend with Rock City and Hellfire (Aug. 14) as well as Beyond Music and The Jetlags (Aug. 15).

Sláinte! Music fans can raise a glass with this Irish toast at Temple Bar when bands like The Keltics (July 29), Irish Bastards (Aug. 2), The Cobblestones (Aug. 9), and The Brogues (Aug. 16), among others, transport the crowd to the land of Guinness with their Irish folk music. There will also be plenty of rock covers: Depeche Made (July 31), U2 Tribute (Aug. 1), Queen Revival Band (Aug. 7), and Robby meets Amy (Aug. 12) will pay homage to their musical idols. Hanover-based bands include Tiefblau (Aug. 2), the EMMA H’art Band (Aug. 5), and Welcome to the World (Aug. 15).

Hannover Concerts has once again put together a first-class live music lineup for the NDR 1 Kultbühne at the Löwenbastion. The headliner on July 31 is the indie-folk-punk legend New Model Army, which was founded in Bradford (UK) in the late 1970s and is now turning the Maschseefest into the “51st State.” Top-notch cover bands like Die Rexis (August 1), Mr. Rod (August 7), White Purple (August 9), and U2 Experience (August 12) are just as much a part of the lineup at the Löwenbastion as Terry Hoax (August 14), regulars Lotto King Karl & Die Barmbek Dreamboys (July 29), and the glam rockers Sweety Glitter & The Sweethearts (August 16).

This year, the Maschsee Spring will pay tribute to legendary hits. Among those emulating their musical idols are: No Cash (July 31), Mit 18 (August 1), Sting2Play (August 1), Die Toten Ärzte (Aug. 5), Grönland (Aug. 7), Simply Turner (Aug. 9), The Beatles Connection (Aug. 12), Achtung Baby (U2, Aug. 14), Back to the Roots (Rolling Stones, Aug. 14), and Supernatural (Santana, Aug. 15). In addition, country legend Gunter Gabriel will show on July 31 just how much energy he still has. There will also be a reunion with former members of Fury in the Slaughterhouse, who will help kick off the program at the “Quelle” on July 29.

Cabaret & Supporting Program

Be sure to stop by the cabaret program. On Saturdays and Sundays (except August 9, when “Crazy Crossing” takes the stage), Mister M and Opus Furore will enchant the audience with their comedic high-flying acts. Jens Ohle wows the crowd with stand-up comedy, while Shiva Grings showcases his improvisational skills and DJuggledy demonstrates his mastery of the diabolo. Annette Will takes to the skies with her wild balancing acts on the tightrope. These top-notch performers are joined by impressive walking acts and Germany’s most famous fortune-teller, Sylvie Kollin (August 9), in her “Sternstunde am See.”

The Maschseefest is the hotspot for all night owls in August. Here, people dance to the hottest dancefloor beats from the city’s best DJs. You can also shake a leg at the salsa introductory classes at the Puerto Español Ibiza Lounge or at “Hannover tanzt am See” at the Löwenbastion. At the Hamborger Veermaster, the program is rounded out by shanty choirs and dancing on the lakefront dance floor—offering activities for all age groups.

© Roland Justynowicz

Children's program

Of course, even the youngest visitors are on board for the exciting Maschseefest adventure—and can enjoy a fun-filled program presented by Xiè-Xiè Freizeit- und Erlebnispädagogik on the large children’s play area at the HDI Arena. From Friday through Sunday, as well as on Wednesdays (except July 29), a world of fun opens up there from 2 to 7 p.m., featuring a bounce house, a face-painting booth, and a “giant construction site” for kids to tinker away. Plus, Clown Fidolo and Clown Fussel, under the direction of the Pavillon Cultural Center, will keep the atmosphere lively. Mathias Lück, alias ship’s boy Mathjes, brings pirate fun to the children’s stage with his musical sailor’s tall tales—a performance that can only be topped by the pirate quiz with real pirate gold. To go along with this, the Maschsee pirate ship “üstralala” will once again set sail on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Here, budding pirates will experience exciting tales at sea together with Captain Zoff and his crew.

On the lake

© HMTG / Kevin Münkel

In addition to the lively hustle and bustle along the waterfront promenades, exciting events and activities take place at the festival’s main attraction, Lake Maschsee. On August 8, the evening torchlight swim—organized by the Hannover Diving Club with over 100 divers from Lower Saxony—captivates spectators with its romantic charm. One day later, the starting gun will go off for the “Crazy Crossing” fun boat race, organized by Antenne Niedersachsen. On the festival’s final weekend, the 6th NKR Duck-Fun(d)racing against leukemia (August 15) will be a squeaky-fun event for a good cause.

As the grand finale of the anniversary edition of the Maschsee Festival, Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG) and RADIO 21 have prepared something very special: On August 16 at 10 p.m., a spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky over the lake.

The Maschseefest has been organized by Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH since 2011 and, as Lower Saxony’s largest folk festival, attracted around 2 million visitors last year.

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. Photos for editorial use are available at www.maschseefest.de/presse

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

Published: July 16, 2015