Christmas markets in danger: Gema fees dampen the mood!

Christmas markets in danger: Gema fees dampen the mood!

At the Christmas markets in Rhineland-Palatinate, it will be much quieter this year! The GEMA fees have drawn the plug to the live music appearances, and this has dramatic consequences for the festive atmosphere. In Trier, Mainz and Koblenz, visitors have to expect less music, and that causes excitement!

In Trier, the music program is drastically reduced-from nine to just two live appearances! The spokesman for the Trier Christmas market, Thomas Vatheuer, explains that the GEMA fees would have doubled what the budget is blowing up. The new regulation now calculates the fees for the entire event area, no longer just for the area around the stage. This means that the costs increase from a three -digit sum to a low four -digit amount. In order to break through silence, however, there will be an alternative program with Christmas poems, Gema-free songs and craft actions.

less music in Mainz and Koblenz

Also in Mainz, where the Christmas market begins on November 28th, the stage program is restricted. Economic Director Manuela Matz (CDU) reports on the increase in the GEMA fees compared to earlier years. The discussion about the high fee claims has proven to be unsolvable, which significantly disadvantages the regional music groups. In Koblenz, on the other hand, years ago, the GEMA specifications were adjusted and only offers background music, which keeps the fees stable.

The GEMA, which represents the rights of over 95,000 musicians, has not changed the calculation basis, but checking the event areas has led to higher fees. The question remains: will visitors flock to the Christmas markets despite less music for mulled wine and bratwurst? The first markets in Trier and Koblenz start on Friday, while Mainz will follow in the coming week. The anticipation of the festive time is put to the test by the GEMA fees!