Stricter security on New Year's Eve around Cologne Cathedral © Oliver Berg
For New Year's Eve, the city of Cologne is once again relying on extensive security precautions and a cultural supporting program around the cathedral. As in the previous year, a "firecracker-free zone" is drawn around the cathedral and the police presence is increased.
Around the Cologne Cathedral may not be brought pyrotechnics, as the city announced on Tuesday. Police and public order office want to significantly increase their presence in downtown Cologne on New Year's Eve, and video surveillance and lighting are also to be stepped up. At the turn of the year 2015/2016, there had been mass sexual assaults and thefts in Cologne.
Light installation
Planned for 31. December also a light installation under the slogan "desire and change" at the cathedral. Cologne citizens can participate in the campaign by sending their wishes for 2018 to the address [email protected] send. Light artist Ingo Dietzel wants to include the wishes in projections to be shown on the facades of the Domforum and the Domhotel.
Cologne-based bands "Buntes Herz" and "Komplement" perform on a stage on Roncalli Square, according to reports. For the performance of the choir "Gospelcologne", which sings from 11 p.m. until the new year, interested people can register as participants.
Respect" campaign
Also on New Year's Eve, the campaign "Respect" will be launched, announced the city of Cologne. For example, private individuals, companies, clubs or school classes could set a sign for respect. The city of Cologne provides advertising material for it. Details of the action are to be announced in December.
On New Year's Eve 2015/2016, groups of young men, mainly from North Africa, sexually harassed and stole from numerous people at Cologne's main train station. At the public prosecutor's office in Cologne were more than 1.200 criminal complaints received, 513 of which related to sexual offenses.