Christmas markets in Rhineland-Palatinate: Music program drastically shortened!

Christmas markets in Rhineland-Palatinate: Music program drastically shortened!

Stand: 19.11.2024 2:24 pm

The Christmas markets in Rhineland-Palatinate are facing a musical dilemma! Due to drastically increased GEMA fees, the live music program is greatly reduced. The markets are looking for creative alternatives to reduce the costs and to preserve the magic of the holidays.

In Trier you have put the music offer from nine together on just two live appearances! The doubling of the GEMA fees, which is now applied to the entire event area of 6,000 square meters, forced those responsible to make this decision. Thomas Vatheuer, spokesman for the Trier Christmas market, said: "That would have blown up our financial framework." Instead, reading hours and singing together of Gema-free songs are now offered.

Mainz and Koblenz can be found different ways

In Mainz the situation looks similar: here the GEMA fees have changed! Economic Department Manuela Matz (CDU) criticized the development and warned that this harms regional artists. However, GEMA itself emphasizes that the calculation basis has not changed, but only the information from the municipalities is checked in more detail. In Koblenz, on the other hand, the specifications of the GEMA have been prepared for years and completely dispenses with live appearances, instead it is based on background music from speakers.

Gema has treated Christmas markets with goodwill in recent years, but after a review in 2022, many markets were asked about incorrect information about the cash register. The markets hope to inspire visitors with readings and workshops and maintain the festive atmosphere. It remains to be seen whether these savings measures will affect the number of visitors, while Trier and Koblenz will start on Friday and Mainz will follow in the coming week.