Fixed issue with descriptive title or explanation, altering words while preserving names and brevity. - Schwesig and Bartels start Kiel Week 2024 event.
The president of the Bundesrat, Manuela Schwesig (SPD), and former football player Fin Bartels will kick off the Kiel Week 2024 on June 22 till June 30. They'll both give the traditional horn signal "long-short-short-long" to signify "let go!" as the city announced on Friday. Daniel Günther, the Minister President from the neighboring state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, will take over the bell ringing with a ship's bell (3 double blows and 1 single blow).
The city expects approximately 3 million visitors during this summer festival, which effectively starts on June 21. "The Kiel Week is an artistic masterpiece providing both grand showstoppers and delightful little moments. This distinctive combination is what makes our sailing and summer event so unique," stated Mayor Ulf Kämpfer (SPD).
The regattas at Kiel-Schilksee will be reminiscent of the Olympics 2024 in Paris (July 26 to August 11) this year. The organizers estimate that competitors from around 50 countries will arrive for the sailing competitions in eight Olympic disciplines and eleven different types of boats. "We'll be witnessing sailing at its finest, combined with international encounters and a truly exceptional atmosphere filled with experiences and entertainment," said Regatta Chief Dirk Ramhorst.
Nearly 40 ships and vessels from 16 nations will be welcomed at the Navy's Kiel base, including the sailing school ship "Gloria" from Colombia. Interested spectators can also see the "Gloria" and the German sailing school ship "Gorch Fock" up close during the "Open Ship" on June 22 and 23. The Gorch Fock will also lead the Windjammer Parade of the summer festival on June 29th.
Over 300 concerts are scheduled across the 16 stages during the 10-day event, according to the city. Most events are at no cost. On the lineup are artists like Juli, Patrice, Max Giesinger, Leony, Malik Harris, Milow, Glockenbach, and Stanfour. The festival will then conclude on June 30 with a fireworks display above the fjord.
