Protests - Christmas markets in Magdeburg and Quedlinburg remain quiet
In the dispute over increased costs for music at Christmas markets, Magdeburg and Quedlinburg will remain quiet on Monday. There will be no music between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., announced Paul-Gerhard Stieger, managing director of the Magdeburg Christmas market. In addition to the two cities in Saxony-Anhalt, other cities such as Leipzig, Dresden, Hanover and Rostock are also taking part in the nationwide protest.
The Christmas market operators are criticizing the in some cases significantly increased costs for the use of music. Gema, the administrator of the music rights, defends itself against the accusations. In the past, some organizers had not correctly stated the areas of the markets.
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- Despite the nationwide protest involving municipalities like Magdeburg and Quedlinburg, as well as cities such as Leipzig, Dresden, Hanover, and Rostock, over increased costs for music at Christmas markets, Saxony-Anhalt's tourism sector continues to rely heavily on these festive markets to attract visitors during the holiday season.
- To make up for the absence of music at the popular Christmas market in Magdeburg, some municipalities in Saxony-Anhalt are considering alternative forms of entertainment, such as traditional Saxon music performances or storytelling sessions, to keep visitors engaged and enhance the overall experience.
- The city of Magdeburg hopes that by working closely with local musicians and musicians' organizations, it can find a fair and equitable solution regarding music licensing fees at future Christmas markets, ensuring that the city's renowned Christmas market remains a must-visit destination for tourists during the festive season.
Source: www.stern.de
