Zöppkes Market 2025: A new beginning infused with warmth, heritage, and innovative alliances
Solingen, Germany, is gearing up for the return of a beloved event after a hiatus of a year. The 2025 Zöppkes Market, a cherished tradition in the city's heart, will take place from September 12th to 14th.
Despite the absence of long-time participants such as the Rompel family and "Fleckenlecker", the event will welcome around 120 stands, including new partners like the Schaustellerverband Rhein-Ruhr-Wupper. The market will cater to around 150 children with a special area called "Kiddy Zöppi".
The city of Solingen is providing up to 42,000 euros for security measures, with the total cost estimated to be approximately 60,000 euros. Falk Dornseifer, a long-time associate of the Zöppkes Market, is ready to tackle the challenge of ensuring security for the event, having 14 years of experience with the DRK Solingen under his belt.
Dornseifer also proposes the development of sand barriers as a potential solution for terror protection at events. Cooperation with relevant authorities for the 2025 Zöppkes Market is running smoothly, with preparatory meetings already underway.
For added atmosphere, the Otterverein will provide a beer stand at the Stein. The event aims to send a message of joy, community, and the return of a piece of Solingen's identity to the city center after challenging times.
Notably, the Neumarkt will remain unused for security reasons during the 2025 Zöppkes Market. The organization that has committed to co-host a joint event alongside the previous organizers of the Zöppkes Market in Solingen for the year 2025 is yet to be officially named. However, there is a proposal by Daniel Flemm to create a new city service called "Stadtgesellschaft" starting in 2026 to better coordinate festivals and events in Solingen, which might relate to future event organization.
Dornseifer believes that the Zöppkes Market is an essential part of Solingen's city center, and its absence would be noticeable. He emphasizes the importance of the city's and Schaustellerverband's support for the feasibility of the Zöppkes Market.
The 2025 Zöppkes Market promises to be a safe, joyful, and vibrant celebration, marking a significant step forward in the city's recovery and revitalization.
