Bagpiper delivered remaining items to King Dominik
On the bustling streets of Düsseldorf, the air hums with anticipation as the Rhine Area Pipes & Drums play a melody that echoes through Benzenbergstraße. This isn't just any concert; it's the commencement of the breathtaking Shooting Parade for the reigning royals of Düsseldorf Bilk in 2023.
The regal couple, Dominik Walterbach and Sarah, overlook the scene as the piper plays, Dominik pauses, wiping a tear from his eye. A gentle squeeze from his wife and the parade begins, marking the start of an extravaganza that brings together over 500 shooters and 450 musicians across four battalions, all united in honoring the majestic couple.
Sunday (18.6.) promises to be the peak of the festival, with the mesmerizing moments of the Bilker Shooting Festival unfolding on Benzenbergstraße. After the Royal Entry, a poignant moment of emotion for King Dominik, the Rhine Area Pipes & Drums will once again play, this time leading into the grand finale.
Bilk isn't just any town; it's a beacon, with its church tower, the TV tower, and the St. Sebastianus shooters illuminating the district like a lighthouse. They call their festival "Zosamme", and they take it seriously - rallies, concerts, and a heartwarming camaraderie that makes the Rhineland unbeatable in terms of ambiance and festivities.
Local musical group "Brings" takes the stage in the tent on the festival grounds at Aachener Platz, adding a modern twist to the traditional festivities, emphasizing the sentiment that Düsseldorf and Cologne together are a force to be reckoned with.
Three companies of the large Bilker shooting family are the stars of the show in 2023. The Wilhelm Tell Company and the 1st Guard Shooting Company, both established in 183, celebrate their 140th anniversary this year. The St. Martinus Company marks its 125th anniversary.
This year, the Wilhelm Tell Company honors its history with a throwback to the tale of William Tell, complete with an archer, his page, and an apple.
As tradition dictates, Colonel Michael Kohn leads the parade for one last time, accompanied by regimental adjutants Axel Uebels and Achim Welter. But there's more to come - someone special takes on a significant role in this year's parade on Sunday (18.6.). After the parade, Colonel Kohn and his associates pay their respects to the royals and distinguished guests, signifying the end of an era for Michael Kohn, who, visibly moved, reports the parade for the last time.
The future of this beloved tradition lies with the youth, who proudly march at the front of the parade, indicating a thriving interest in the summer tradition. The Bilker shooters put emphasis on youth work, and it seems to be bearing fruit, with the large gaps in the ranks from last year now a thing of the past, and the fair at Aachener Platz holding its own against larger folk festivals.
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During the spectacular Bilker Shooting Festival on 18.6., social media users can share their experiences by posting photos and updates under the hashtag #BilkFestival2023, creating a virtual entertainment hub that mirrors the rich atmosphere of the event.
As the festival wraps up, a special guest will join the Rhine Area Pipes & Drums for their grand finale performance, bringing together old and new elements of the Bilker Shooting Festival's vibrant social-media scene.
