World's biggest Port Festival in Hamburg

Hamburg / Germany celebrated last weekend the 820th birthday of its port with more than 1,2 million visitors.

- Cross reference: Picture is distributed via EPA (European Pressphoto Agency)

The 820th HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG (Port Birthday Hamburg) ended on Sunday - this port event attracted last weekend more than 1,2 million visitors from Germany and abroad. Despite changeable weather, they enjoyed the world's biggest port party in exuberant mood. The port of Hamburg formed the backdrop for a maritime show unmatched anywhere else in the world.

The event goes back to Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa, who on 7 May 1189 granted Hamburgians a concession guaranteeing exemption from Customs dues for vessels between the city and the North Sea. This date has since been regarded as the Port of Hamburg's birthday.

Hamburg - the Metropolis on the Waterfront offered last weekend an attractive programme on and along the River Elbe from Oevelgönne Museum Harbour via the St. Pauli Landing Stages as far as Baumwall. Among the highlights were the arrival and departure parades of over 300 craft from all over the world, large sailing ships, museum ships, yachts and motor yachts and other boats; the Dragon boat regattas; the grand fireworks display on Saturday evening; and the unique tug ballet on Saturday afternoon. On all three days true sightseers had also chance of going on board craft designated Open Ships and meeting true seadogs.

Along the 3.5 kilometres of the show promenade between the Fish Auction Hall and Baumwall, 500 show folk offered games, sideshows and marine delicacies. All the programme items were running against a backdrop of a functioning and above all, vibrant port located right in the centre of the famed metropolis on the waterfront.

More information: www.hafengeburtstag-hamburg.de.

Film footage: www.thenewsmarket.com/HamburgMarketing

Contact:

Hamburg Marketing GmbH
Guido Neumann
Tel.: +49-40-41 11 10 - 617
guido.neumann@marketing.hamburg.de