Will Rheinkirmes Düsseldorf take place in 2020?
With over 4 million visitors annually, Rheinkirmes Düsseldorf is a firm favourite with a global appeal, and not just for us fairground geeks! Visitors travel far and wide to experience the biggest Kirmes (funfair) on the Rhine, but will COVID 19 prevent it from going ahead in 2020?
What do we know so far?
Well, the latest from Germany is that all ‘major events’ will be cancelled until the end of August 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. What we don’t know for sure though, is exactly what constitutes a major event.
Applying a bit of common sense here, it would be fair to assume that an event that attracts 4 million people into a 165,000 square meter showground over the course of just 10 days is almost certainly going to be classed as “major”. Indeed, many enthusiasts have already come to terms with the fact that the Kirmes probably won’t take place this year.
Perhaps even more indicative of the event’s impending cancellation is the fact the the Munich Oktoberfest has today been cancelled, an event that wouldn’t have started until September – the month after the event ban is due to be lifted. In their announcement the Oktoberfest stated that “the risks are simply too high”.
Looking back on a firm favourite
The best thing we can do right now is to stay at home and enjoy memories of previous events. The Rheinkirmes has become my “go-to” holiday event over the past 5 years, and I’ve spoken to many who have been going every year for far, far longer than that. So in the spirit of nostalgia, enjoy this video that we’ve put together using footage from the last few years of the Düsseldorf Rheinkirmes, and a few more photos below. Stay safe!
Our first Winter Theme Park holiday
Say the word “holiday” and most normal people will start reciting tales of times where they led on the beach in the sun for 2 weeks, getting sunburnt, waking up at 6am to reserve a sunbed, and how it was the best time of their life. Well, dear reader, I can’t think of anything worse. What if I told you it doesn’t have to be this way?!
2019 was without doubt one of the most adventurous and action-packed years we’ve ever had when it comes to theme park and funfair adventures – this largely thanks to a brilliant group of friends who share our outlook on thrills and fun. #blessed. So what better way to round the year off than by visiting some European rides at Christmas time?!
The itinerary
You do not need to spend obscene amounts of money on one of these trips – obviously you can if you want – but this trip was purposely planned to come in at just below £200pp.
- Day 1: Fly London Stansted to Eindhoven, drive to hotel next to Efteling
- Day 2: Day at Efteling followed by a drive to Cranger for their winter fair (Cranger Weihnachtszauber), stay at hotel nearby
- Day 3: Other bits and bobs before flying home
Transport whilst there consisted of a hiring a car for the duration, which took the form of a Fiat 500 L. What can I say – it was an absolutely awful vehicle, which despite being very low milage already sounded like a bag of arse and continuously reminded us to “check oil level” whilst coughing and spluttering its way around the Netherlands. It did serve its purpose though, so thankyou Fiat. (Don’t buy one).
Winter Efteling
Efteling have really nailed their Christmas event, but would you expect any less from them? No.
The park is pretty much fully open with all the rides – a treat for us UK enthusiasts who are used to only seeing kids rides open over Christmas at our own parks. Efteling have gone to town on the winter theme, with many of their theming items having been completely swapped out for Christmas counterparts – their efforts run far deeper than just spraying a bit of poundland snow over everything.
Cranger Weihnachtszauber
Translating directly to “Christmas Magic”, this is a young event which could be described as Germany’s answer to the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. When you consider that the Weihnactszauber is only in its second year, it really is an impressive little event.
Held on a smaller portion of the same ground as the summer Cranger Kirmes, the event was very nicely themed throughout, with little festive areas and quieter spaces which were a nice touch. The ride lineup is also worth noting as it included the brand new “Santa Mix” (KMG X Drive), as well as Commander, the Mondial Shake.
Other bits
The original plan was that we would go back to the Cranger Kirmes on the final day, but as tends to be the case, we spent breakfast googling things that were nearby and ended up at a couple of other places – firstly tobogganing down a hill in Valkenburg, before then calling in at a Christmas market in Maastricht.
An absolutely brilliant little holiday and a great way to round off 2019. Little did we know that this could be the last holiday we have in a while – thanks China.
Where will you go?
To enjoy theme parks & funfairs tomorrow, we must stay at home today. When this is all over, where will you go?
Wesley’s King Loops at Nottingham Goose Fair
There’s something quite fascinating about watching a “shake” ride operating. Perhaps it’s the fond memories we carry of seeing James Mellors’ crazy shake back in the glory days of the UK fair scene. More likely, though, is that its due to the complex movement of the arms and cars creating a visual spectacle.
Below we check out Wesley’s King Loops, a Fabbri take on the Shake ride. Wesley’s ride had just been freshly painted and was looking very smart.
PWS Super Trooper ride, Tewkesbury Mop Fair 2019
This is the first Super Trooper ride to be built by PWS, seen here at the Tewkesbury Mop Fair. Presented by James Danter.
Tewkesbury Mop Fair 2019
Street fair held annually in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. New for 2019 is the PWS Super Trooper ride.
Nottingham Goose Fair 2019
One of the biggest funfairs in the UK returns for 2019, check it out in this music video!
Filmed Friday 4th October, featuring many of the big rides – includes King Loops, Rock Rage, Fighter, Ice Jet, Xtreme, New York, Waltzers and more!
Nottingham Goose Fair Model Show 2019
Miniature fairground exhibition held at the Nottingham Goose Fair, 5th October 2019. Features a great selection of model fun fair rides.
Show organised by David Wragg
Knex Sizzler model ONRIDE POV!
Fantastic working fairground model built by Tarn Moore, based on a PWS Twist ride. Very realistic and smooth operating. The model is still a work in progress and is yet to have the floors fitted.
Filmed at the Nottingham Goose Fair Model Show 2019
TALOCAN ride, Phantasialand 2019
Huss Top Spin ride at Phantasialand, Germany. Probably the best Top Spin ride in the world!
Kermis Best 2019 – Street fair in the Netherlands
Kermis Best is the best value fairground I’ve ever been to!
This Dutch funfair prides itself on being affordable – an example of which being a Huss Breakdance on a €1.70 ticket! The fair was full of big machines – Show time, Sound Machine, Disco Jumper XXL, Reactor, Around the World etc, with the most expensive ride I saw being the reverse bungee (Air Race), which was still only €4 to ride!
BREAK DANCE No.1, Kinzler ( Onride & Offride ) | Düsseldorf Rheinkirmes 2019
The most powerful Break Dance I’ve ever ridden, this is one of the rarer large 6-arm variants by HUSS Rides. Keep your head back!!
Geister Fabrik (POV) | The BIGGEST mobile interactive ghost train in the world!
On-ride and off-ride views of the NEW for 2019 “Geister Fabrik” (Ghost Factory) – The world’s largest interactive haunted house. Filmed at the Dusseldorf Rheinkirmes.
Düsseldorf Rheinkirmes 2019
Größte Kirmes am Rhein – AKA the Biggest funfair on the Rhine!
This video is different from my usual style and features very little editing and the original audio from the fair. I intend to still make a shorter ‘music video’ style version, but would be interested to know which you prefer. Let me know below!
Hold Tight Germany 2019
7 Theme Parks, 2 Funfairs, 9 Days, 2 Countries. Join us as we drive around Germany and the Netherlands on the most exciting holiday you could ever wish for!
DAY 1 – Kermis Best (NL)
DAY 2 – Efteling (NL)
DAY 3 – Walibi Holland (NL)
DAY 4 – Slagharen (NL) & Circus Krone (DE)
DAY 5 & 6 – Heide Park (DE)
DAY 7 – Phantasialand (DE)
DAY 8 – Movie Park & Dusseldorf Rheinkirmes (DE)
DAY 9 – Toverland (NL)
“King” Roller Coaster, Foire du Trone Paris
The most uncomfortable, rough.. flexible.. roller coaster I’ve ever seen!!
Jet Star roller coaster, Onride POV
Mounted GoPro POV of the Schwarzkopf Jetstar roller coaster at Foire du Trône.