Two Anniversaries, One Unforgettable Evening
Two Cologne institutions, two anniversaries, one celebration: Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH (KD) is celebrating 200 years, and the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger (KStA) is celebrating 150 years. Both companies celebrated together with nearly 500 guests aboard the MS RheinGalaxie. It was a magical evening dedicated to Cologne, the Rhine, and the shared joy of celebration. The official founding date of the KD is June 11, 1826; the first issue of the KStA was published on November 14, 1876. Its history began as a local supplement to the Kölnische Zeitung, which was in circulation from 1802 to 1945. After World War II, the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger resumed publication in October 1949.
ship convoy against a breathtaking
sunset
Fireworks Set to Music
For their joint anniversary celebration, the two companies chose August 1—a date roughly midway between their founding dates—and for good reason: The “Kölner Lichter” took place on that day. This music and fireworks event is considered Europe’s largest music-synchronized aerial fireworks display. KD . was also one of the sponsors this year in honor of its 200th anniversary. Amid perfect summer weather, the evening began on board with a sumptuous dinner buffet, complemented by live cooking stations. An appetizer was served beforehand, followed later by a varied dessert buffet. KD Managing Director Nina Luig and KStA Editor-in-Chief Gerald Selch cut the birthday cake together and personally handed out the first slices to the guests. Musical entertainment was provided by the artist Foxee and her band, as well as the “ KD ” DJs.
Low water levels are a problem
The 21st edition of the “Kölner Lichter” took place under difficult conditions and presented the team led by organizer Werner Nolden with new challenges nearly every hour. The low water level of the Rhine resulted in a record low of 67 centimeters in Cologne on the day of the “Kölner Lichter.” This had an impact on the ship convoy. Of the 27 ships originally registered, six never even reached Cologne because their draft prevented them from doing so. Others, including the KD vessel MS RheinMagie, were unable to join the convoy for the same reason. Ultimately, 16 ships set out in a modified convoy. Instead of sailing from Porz toward the Rheinpark and Tanzbrunnen as usual, the route first led from Cologne’s Old Town toward Niehler Hafen and then back to the Hohenzollern Bridge.
and KStA Editor-in-Chief
Gerald Selch with the
anniversary cake
and Gerald Selch
welcome the guests
enchanted the audience
Magical Moments
To welcome the ships, many people on the banks had turned on the lights on their cell phones. Many guests aboard the MS RheinGalaxie followed suit and shone their lights back. This created a wonderful atmosphere and, for a moment, fostered a special connection between the people on land and those on the water. At the same time, the sunset bathed the evening sky in the most beautiful colors. As the excitement continued to build ahead of the grand finale, the guests on board enjoyed the special magic of this summer evening. The impressive fireworks display, themed “The Magical School of Fireworks” this time, once again provided top-notch entertainment. The approximately 150,000 visitors on the banks and the guests on the boats broke into enthusiastic applause time and again, which eventually culminated in a final round of applause lasting several minutes. Chief pyrotechnician Georg Alef and more than 20 other pyrotechnicians ensured that about five metric tons of fireworks were set off.
The concert opened with “The Firebird”
The fireworks display was accompanied by carefully selected music. The show opened with Igor Stravinsky’s “The Firebird,” pre-recorded by the Cologne-based Soundshape Ensemble. This was followed by “Evenstar” from “The Lord of the Rings” as well as three themes from the Harry Potter films. The spectacle was also accompanied by well-known pop songs, including “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone, “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. The 27-minute fireworks display came to a close with “Never Enough” from the musical film “The Greatest Showman.” To ensure that as many visitors as possible could hear the music accompanying the pyrotechnic spectacle, 16 speakers were set up on each bank of the Rhine along a two-kilometer stretch.
Kicks Off with a Drone Show
Kicks Off with a Drone Show
Great atmosphere
KD-Managing Director Nina Luig and KStA Editor-in-Chief Gerald Selch were thrilled by the atmosphere among the guests, who watched the aerial fireworks from the open deck. For Sascha Gill, CEO of UNITED WATERWAYS—the parent company of Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH, headquartered in Basel—it was his first time experiencing the “Kölner Lichter.” The guest from Switzerland was deeply impressed. He commented on the show, saying, “I didn’t expect this—it’s absolutely spectacular.” For the first time, a drone show took place before the actual fireworks display. However, its premiere got off to a somewhat rocky start. Due to radio communication problems, the more than 500 drones didn’t take off until a good 20 minutes late. That didn’t detract from the special experience of the evening, though.
