Festival Cancellation on Old Danube: Illuminated Celebration No Longer to Take Place
The much-anticipated Lichterfest on Alte Donau, a popular annual event that attracts over 10,000 visitors, will not take place this year. The event has been cancelled or postponed for four years in a row, with reasons such as the pandemic, major construction sites, and financial issues being cited as the main causes.
In 2023, the Lichterfest took place for the last time so far, but its future remains uncertain. The organizer, Markus Grießler, has expressed hope for the festival's return in the summer of 2024, specifically mentioning 2026 as a target year for revival. However, budgetary reasons have been the main factor in the cancellations, with the event no longer being financially feasible without admission and major sponsors.
Grießler is currently working on a new financing concept for the Lichterfest in 2024, involving approaching large sponsors and the city of Vienna for potential financing. This new approach aims to secure two to three major sponsors for the event, which has been a significant challenge in the past.
The cancellation has caused dissatisfaction among Donaustädters, with many expressing their disappointment. Kukis Boote, a boat rental on the Alte Donau, has also voiced its dismay over the postponement of the Lichterfest.
In the past, the Lichterfest has been supported by Wien Holding and Radio Wien as media partners. The costs for the light spectacle are high, including bridge closure, technology, toilets, power connection for food trucks, and more. The increased security measures for major events have also contributed to the cancellation.
Last year's implementation of the Lichterfest failed due to financial reasons, with sponsors backing out and subsidies being cut. Despite these challenges, the organizer remains optimistic about the festival's future. The hope is that the Lichterfest on Alte Donau will return in the near future, bringing light, music, and joy to the banks of the Danube once again.
Sources: [1] [News Article 1] [2] [News Article 2]
The cancellation of the Lichterfest has not only affected Markus Grießler, the organizer, but also residents and businesses in the region, such as Kukis Boote. Grießler's plan for 2024 includes securing major sponsors and focusing on outdoor-living and home-and-garden themes, making the festival more financially feasible and attracting more visitors.
