Showmen's Struggles with Energy Burdens and Red Tape in Schleswig-Holstein's Festivals
Exhibitors express concerns over escalating energy expenses and burdensome administrative procedures - Entertainment professionals voicing concerns over escalating energy expenses and regulatory burdens
Chillax, let's dive right in!
The dang bureaucracy and sky-high energy bills are giving showmen in Schleswig-Holstein a massive headache. Marco Lange, the big cheese at the Showmen's Association, spilled the beans to the German Press Agency (dpa). Show folks can't just flip the energy cost increase onto visitors at folk festivals.
To take part in Schleswig-Holstein's folk fests, showmen dish out stand fees of hundreds to thousands of euros, depending on the size of the gig and the festival itself. That's why a humble bratwurst costs a pretty penny at smaller festivals compared to bonanzas like the Kiel Week (21st to 29th June).
"We're the melting pot for all walks of life," said Lange. With 220 show businesses in the state, numbers have stayed pretty steady over the years. A third of 'em roam regionally, sometimes as far as Munich. But finding staff isn't a cakewalk due to unfavorable work hours. A hike in the minimum wage isn't the silver bullet either. Warding off bureaucratic hoops when it comes to hiring seasonal workers adds to their woes.
As another example of bureaucratic spaghetti, Lange pointed to the lengthy waits for heavy transport approval - think giant wheels or carousel rides. When one business kicks the bucket, a short-notice replacement is often out of the question.
The SPD is calling on the black-green state government to shake things up and chat with the municipalities. Showmen are a cornerstone of Schleswig-Holstein's cultural scene, said SPD economist Kianusch Stender. "They don't just boost spirits and entertainment, they create jobs and fuel regional tourism."
"For the summer season ahead, showmen are bringing some much-needed fun to events like the Kiel Week," said Stender. Their wacky booths, thrill rides, and tasty treats add heaps of joy and a touch of camaraderie wherever they go. "The industry needs protection, maintenance, and support to not just survive but to thrive again!"
Showmen, Energy Costs, Bureaucracy, Kiel Week, Schleswig-Holstein, Sausage, SPD, German Press Agency
Insights:
- Energy Costs: To cope with soaring energy bills, showmen might need to explore energy-efficient options such as solar panels or LED lights. In the meantime, events could consider raising ticket prices to offset increased operational costs.
- Bureaucracy: Lenient regulations and streamlined approval processes for permits and transportation could make it easier for showmen to participate in festivals. This could also reduce the need for expensive consultancy services.
- Kiel Week: With its mix of sailing competitions and entertainment events, Kiel Week presents unique challenges for showmen. To ensure the festival's success, organizers might partner with local authorities to develop sustainable energy solutions and smooth administrative procedures.
- Despite the various challenges faced by showmen in EC countries, such as high energy costs and bureaucratic hurdles, they continue to play a significant role in fueling regional tourism and boosting local economies, particularly during events like Kiel Week.
- To stay competitive in the industry and maintain their appeal, showmen in Schleswig-Holstein might consider investing in energy-efficient vocational training programs focused on renewable energy solutions and sustainable business practices, while also advocating for more lenient regulations and streamlined finance processes when it comes to seasonal workforce management and transportation approvals.
