The first Blühwiesen festival took place where prefabricated buildings once stood: On 11 August 2021, the square on Wenzel-Verner-Straße was transformed into a colourful festival site.
Last year, various partners in Chemnitz launched the first city-wide flowering meadow campaign as part of the bid to become European Capital of Culture 2025. Together with the City of Chemnitz's Parks Department, the Chemnitz Economic Development Corporation (CWE) and many housing cooperatives set out to sow visually appealing urban greenery. Of course, this was only possible with the help of many Chemnitz residents. This year, they have doubled the areas and are demonstrating all the more at 32 locations: the Capital of Culture starts right on the doorstep.
Children had plenty of opportunities to let off steam at the first Blühwiesenfest, while visitors discussed and marvelled at the floral splendour together at the meadow and also had the opportunity to make new acquaintances. For generations, the meadows have been a place of encounter and joy. A lively exchange on the topic of the Capital of Culture was just as much a part of the festival as a relaxed get-together.
A highlight for many residents and guests was the guided tour of the airport building. Urban researcher and author Norbert Engst accompanied his explanations with fascinating anecdotes about the area and later commented: "I am delighted with the response to the tour and the interest in the history of the Heckert area." The Blühwiesenfest was a successful event that brought many people together, thanks in part to the good weather. Two more festivals are planned for later in the year, provided the pandemic situation allows.
