Germany: Event Guide For The Weekend

Discover 4 great events for this weekend!

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway or an exciting day trip? Four are happening near you. Whether you love wine, beer, movies or family fun, there is something for everyone.

33rd Annual Bad Salzuflen Wine Festival 6th - 9th Aug 

Experience the cozy atmosphere of a traditional wine festival right in the heart of Bad Salzuflen. At the historic Salzhof in sample elite selections from 18 German vineyards alongside 10 regional food stalls. To celebrate its anniversary, the festival features a massive, elegant "White-Wheel" Ferris wheel offering a stunning panoramic view of the historic architecture. Sunday even features an open-shop day for local boutiques. 

Copyright Stadt Bad Salzuflen

It is the largest wine festival in the region, enjoy live music and food in old town square.

• Drive time 40 mins

The Historic Laurentiuskirmes in Bergisch Gladbach 8th - 11th Aug

Bring the whole family out to the fair in Bergisch Gladbach. Celebrating its status on Germany's nationwide register of Cultural Heritage, the historic Laurentiuskirmes opens with a traditional church mass and free breakfast. 

Shortly after, the mayor taps the festival beer cask to kick off days of fast-paced amusement rides, bright carousels, game booths, and traditional sweets.

Copyright Stadt Bergisch Gladbach

• Enjoy a mini Libori in a town not far from Cologne
• Drive time just under 2 hours

The 26th Annual Cologne Beer Börse 7th - 9th Aug 

The banks of the Rhine River become your personal beer garden this weekend. Situated right along Cologne's scenic Rhine Promenade, this multi-day open-air festival features 40 master breweries setting up shop. You can sample more than a hundred rare, local, and international specialty beers. Tastings range from traditional German monastery brews to exotic imports from Spain and Brazil.

• Timings: Friday & Saturday, 15:00 – 00:00 Sunday 13:00 – 20:00)
• Ticket Prices: Free Entry to the festival grounds; you only pay for what you drink.
• Drive time just under 2 hours

Copyright bierboerse.com

Maxipark Movie Day 9th Aug

Head to the ever popular family park in Hamm for this Movie themed event. Lots of Star Warts dress up on hand. with market stall and events for the kids.  Park tickets include entry to the event.

Copyright  Maxipark Hamm

400 Cosplayers will be putting on a show in full authentic costumes. The market includes the chance to buy a light saber and many other bits of movie memorabilia.  Other highlights include cars from TV shows, a droid exhibition and a kids space flight activity.  All this plus the fantastic play areas, gardens and butterfly house make Maxipark a great day out. 

• Drive time is 54 mins
• Tickets €7 for adults €4 for ages 3-17

France: Wildfires in Gironde

France travel advice

Change made:

Removal of information about wildfires affecting parts of Gironde and Landes

Germany: Guide to Libori 2026

The Libori festival in Paderborn is a nine-day celebration that blends a holy church festival with a massive funfair. This historic event honors Saint Liborius, whose relics arrived here from France in the year 836A.D. For locals, Libori is known as Paderborn’s "fifth season".

The 2026 Libori festival runs from Saturday, 25th July to Sunday, 2nd August.

The Story Behind the Festival

Libori is one of Germany’s oldest and largest folk festivals. In 836.A.D, the bones of Saint Liborius were brought from Le Mans, France, to the Paderborn Cathedral. This act created a bond between the two cities that has survived for over a thousand years.

   

Today, it is a unique mix of church, culture, and carnival.

What's On: Church events

• The Opening Vesper: Saturday, 25th July at 15:00. Priests raise the golden shrine of Saint Liborius from the cathedral crypt.
• The Solemn Procession: Sunday, 26th July at 09:00. Faithful followers carry the Golden Shrine through the old town streets.

© BESIM MAZHIQI

Germany: Libori 2026

 Libori 2026 

All the information needed to have a great time at this years festivities is here.

The celebration is a mix of religious ceremony and non religious events over a nine day period.

Opening day is the 25th Jul  at 3pm  the procession and enshrinement of St Liborious relics. The Golden shrine is carried on the shoulders of bearers who take the shrine to the Dom.

At  4.30pm the giant Beer barrel is tapped and the  beer guardians serve the crowd. Purchase you commemorative mug from the tourism office this week or on the day and join the que. 

The fair has a soft launch at 12 noon but really comes to life in the evening. This year 150 rides attractions and food stalls lead the entertainment. 

The main concert stage is at the Rathaus. National and local bands perform every night, all the shows are free to attend.  Performers and more music are available on Westerner Str.

PaderSprinter have a range of tickets to get you to and from the celebrations each day. Additional night bus services are running to get you home late night. 

Beer Fountain

The beer flows daily, but the timing changes depending on the day of the week.

• First Weekend: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
• Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
• Second Weekend: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM 

Waiting in line to get your official mug refilled by the traditional "Jubelhennesse" figures is a  rite of passage. While you hang out and sip your drink, the atmosphere is electric. Local brass bands, orchestras, and music clubs rotate daily to keep the crowd dancing. Plus, festival sponsors are hosting live interviews, stages, games, and daily prize giveaways.

Key websites and links 

Libori app  you can download the app. It is only German Language does have a handy map and event listing. Android or iOS versions available.

Germany: Guide for the Weekend

With a World Cup quarter final  the focus of many family weekends for non football lovers, two days of good weather offers a great chance to get out and see some more of Germany.  

This week we have a mini focus on Hannover with a Schutzenfest and Lake festival to enjoy.

Sennelager HIVE will be closed next week. The Community support Team are on hand to help with any questions whilst HIVE is away. 

In this update we have included events all the way through July. 

Garrison Notes

• World Cup -The Senne Arms opens 4pm to 1am for the Eng v Nor the “Row vs the Roar". The Bar closes strictly at 1am and the facility will remain open if Extra time and Pens are required.
• Open air Cinema and the World Cup final from BFBS on the 18th July.
• Coach trip to Osnabruck Zoo is cancelled and will be moved to another date which will be shared.
• Last Paint and Sip event before Kellie takes a well-deserved summer break will be on the 24th Book now as places will go fast.
• The Last Places for Leeds Rhinos activity week and the AWS summer provision €50 per child per event. Contact Rachel in Brydon House to book.
• Raccoon traps  have been placed across the estate please do not feed them they do carry parasites harmful to domestic animals and potentially for humans also.

Other Events

Schutzenfest in Paderborn this weekend. The full list of events and tickets to paid events can be found on the website.

Schutzenfest Hannover and massive funfair until the 12th In Hannover. 497th anniversary.

90s Outdoor fest at Schloss Neuhaus – Lou Bega, Rednex and more play the chart soundtrack of the 90s tickets available online at €55 pp Sat 18th July.

School Holiday Party at the outdoor pool in Bad Wunerburg A Free entry event for the kids. Music and games will be laid on with food and drink available to buy on site. Drive Time is approx 30 mins.

School Holiday Water Fun At the Rietberg Gartenschau 

(Head to the large slide in the North Section of the park 30 mins drivetime)

Every day until and including Sunday, August 30th, the water attractions will be set up near the large slide tower. From 12 pm to 7 pm, kids can ride the waterslide, get splashed on various bouncy castles, zoom from the mouth of the totally harmless shark directly into the pool, take a spin in small electric boats, or balance in giant water balls. The equipment is suitable for children aged 3 and up; parents are responsible for their children

©Rietberg Garten Schau

For the rest of July 

Libori starts on the 25th July in Paderborn with the raising of the Golden shrine at the Dom. The shrine is then processed through the city to mark the opening of the Libori celebrations. Later the same day  paraded through the city while the mayor will tap the Giant keg.

© BESIM MAZHIQI

Machseefest in Hannover the giant food and music festival starts in Hannover. Around the city lake pop up bars and restaurants offer delicious food and drink. Boat taxis ferry the guests between the lake shores. Runs 22nd Jul to 9th Aug. Visit the website for full details.

Hannover offers UK travelers the perfect city break, seamlessly blending rich history with vibrant urban culture. Deep ties to the British Crown through the 1714 Act of Settlement, you can walk in the footsteps of George I at the Herrenhausen Gardens, a Baroque masterpiece rivaling Versailles. 

Explore the red-brick Gothic architecture of the Old Town, follow the "Red Thread" walking tour to the striking New Town Hall, or relax by the sprawling Maschsee lake. Accessible, green, and packed with royal heritage, Hannover is Germany’s best-kept secret.

Germany: Sennelager Weekend Guide

Welcome to your weekly Sennelager HIVE update. Time for the Summer Fete on Saturday with plenty of things to do in the Paderborn area on Sunday too. The weather should be cooler over the weekend. 

 
Garrison Events

Zumba Class: Join Sylvia at the Normandy Bks gym this Thursday at 12:15 PM. Send her a Facebook message or email to sign up.

The Summer Fete: This is the massive summer event for our families! Head over this Saturday, July 4th, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Kids can enjoy a carousel, bouncy castles, and bungee jump trampolines. There will be prizes, food from the fabulous Taste of the world tent. 

Plus food from NAAFI available for purchase with drinks (Card only payments). No dogs allowed. 

What's On in Paderborn This Weekend 

• Sunday, July 5th is full of festival fun  with the HNF Summer Festival: The Heinz Nixdorf Museum meadow turns into a giant playground from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Kids can race on an 85-meter inflatable obstacle course. Enjoy human foosball, face painting, and crafts. Entry is free. Only 10 mins drive 

• International Festival at Schloss Neuhaus: Taste amazing food from around the world from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Enjoy live music, kids' choirs, and drum concerts at the Fountain Theatre.
  

  
  
  

• Skate & BBQ at Goldgrund Park: Watch professional and amateur skaters compete from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Grab some tasty barbecue while you watch.

                                                         

• Blueberry Picking:  You can pick fresh Blueberries starting Friday at 8:00 AM. Head to Bioland Hof Herber in Salzkotten, just 30 minutes away

Quick Garrison Reminders

• Conserve Water: Please be mindful of your hose pipe and indoor water usage.
• Get Your Fridge Magnet: Missing your Emergency Contacts magnet? Pick one up at Brydon House. It has all the vital numbers for you.

Gerrmany: Overseas Families Virtual Briefing

 

Germany: Water Conservation in SFA

 Water Conservation Reminder 💧

With the recent hot weather, we’d like to remind all personnel, families, and visitors that water is a valuable resource. Please use it responsibly.

Simple actions can make a big difference:

• Take shorter showers
• Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
• Turn off taps when not in use
• Avoid watering lawns and gardens
• Refrain from topping up paddling pools and swimming pools unnecessarily

By working together and using water wisely, we can protect supplies, reduce demand, and ensure there’s enough water for everyone across the garrison.

Water is especially precious in Service Family Accommodation. Even small issues like dripping taps or running toilets can waste significant amounts if left unreported.

If you notice any leaks or faults, please report them immediately to the MITIE Helpdesk. Prompt reporting helps conserve water, reduce costs, and maintain a comfortable living environment for all.

Thank you for your support and cooperation in protecting this vital resource

VIRTUAL CHAT HV and Virtual New Parents Group

SSAFA's Virtual New Parent Group Sessions are open to all military families living in remote areas as a way to connect with other parents in similar situations. Although there will be a health visitor present to answer any questions, the floor is open to talk about whatever you want - from sleep, feeding or just general parental frustrations with no judgment or anything.

Our online CHAT HV sessions are open to all military parents across all time zones. These informal sessions cover a different topic each month to help guide and support you through the different stages of your parenting journey. These are a great way for you to meet other families from around the world and make connections, especially when living in a host country that has different practices with regards to new mum groups etc.

If anyone wants anymore information or to register for an online session, please either speak to your Health Visitor or email us on UKStratCom-DMS-DPHC-NYG-SSAFA@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

The Global Support Organisation Guides.

The Global Support Organisation (GSO) supports and enables Ministry of Defence (MOD) personnel and UK Defence activity overseas.

With a guide available for the following Countries.

Belgium

Germany

Italy

Portugal

Scandinavia

Spain

Turkey

Please follow this link to read a guide.

SSAFA CHAT HV is Back

Parenting overseas can feel hard. You may be far from family, friends, or the support you’re used to. That’s why CHAT HV is back. It gives you easy, friendly access to a UK Health Visitor, even when you’re living abroad.

What is CHAT HV?

CHAT HV is a simple online chat where you can talk to a trained Health Visitor. You can ask questions about sleep, feeding, crying, behaviour, or anything that’s worrying you. Nothing is too small.

BFSWS: Reasons to Not Smack Your Children

 

Germany: Take A Hike

We are blessed with some fantastic trails in our area of Germany. Though the weather may stay cold in the next week or so it should also stay dry. 

The English language version of the Tutoburger wald website is a fantastic tool for finding hikes and days out in our part of Germany. Not far from us we have the low mountains of the Tutoburg forest and the Egge mountains. 

If you wanted to get started on the local trails here are some routes for hiking.

Germany: For The Kids

Need help finding activities for the kids? Germany is full of fantastic family friendly places to visit. Here are some Google Maps to help you pick out things to do that suit your kids the best.

To use each map tap or click on the place names in the left hand menu or directly on the pins you see on the map. You then will have more information and details about each location. 

Where to go with kids: Zoos parks, theme parks and much more on this map.

Indoor activities: This map is for when the weather is not great but you till need to entertain the kids. 

For more ideas you can visit the NRW tourism website which has a whole section dedicated to families. Visit the website here.

Germany - A reminder to ALL Personnel with British Passports to check their Issue/Expiry dates

A reminder to ALL Personnel with British Passports to check their Issue/Expiry dates.

Up until 2018 it was sometimes the case that a UK passport was issued with an expiry date in excess of the 10 year validity period, in some cases 1 years and 9 months. There are reported cases of the EU borders not accepting anything in excess of 10 years from date of issue. 

 All personnel should check passports in relation to 10 years validity against the date of issue of the passport NOT the stated expiry date. Passports issued after 2018 are valid for exactly 10 years.

Any queries to be directed to your Unit HR Admin in the fist instance. 

You can read a BBC News story from March 2025 here regarding UK passport validity date issues.

Germany: UK Mobile phone contracts whilst deployed in Germany

UK Mobile phone contracts / PAYG terms must be checked before deployment by SP to an EU country. EE, O2 and Vodaphone all offer slightly different practices for deployed SP.

Deployed SP and family members could be liable for higher charges. The provider could revoke the contract over Fair Use Policy violations.

EE, O2 and Vodaphone all offer slightly different practices for deployed SP.