Residents Raise Safety Concerns Over Lighting During 'Altstadtfunkeln' in Kaufbeuren

The recent 'Altstadtfunkeln' event in Kaufbeuren was largely met with positive feedback from both organizers and the local community. The city-wide celebration, known for its creative light installations that illuminate the historic center, drew strong attendance and engagement across social media platforms. Despite its overall success, the event faced criticism from some residents regarding insufficient street lighting in certain areas on the event's periphery.

During the festival evenings, notably on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, several streets adjacent to the main festivities reportedly experienced complete darkness. Local residents observed that in areas such as Neue Gasse and Schmiedgasse, the usual street lighting was switched off, even though these locations were not directly involved in any official event activities or displays. Additionally, decorative lighting, including string lights spanning the streets, was turned off after event stands were dismantled for the night.

Concerns were raised by residents about the potential risks associated with the lack of illumination. These included increased chances of tripping and falling, especially in poorly lit alleys, and a general sense of reduced personal safety. The city of Kaufbeuren has previously acknowledged the importance of addressing poorly lit public spaces through regular initiatives focused on 'dark corners' and community safety. The absence of lighting during the event was seen as contradictory to these ongoing efforts.

In response to inquiries, the city administration clarified that the general street lighting was intentionally reduced in the vicinity of the event to enhance the visual impact of the artistic light installations. However, the method used to manage the lighting inadvertently resulted in broader outages than intended. The affected areas, including Neue Gasse and Schmiedgasse, were centrally controlled and could not be individually excluded from the shutdown. This technical oversight was only recognized after the event, and normal lighting was restored the following Monday.

The city expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured residents that the extended blackout was not intentional. Officials emphasized their commitment to public safety and stated that the situation would be reviewed to prevent similar issues in future editions of the 'Altstadtfunkeln.' Discussions are already underway to ensure that areas not directly involved in the event remain properly illuminated during future festivals, balancing both the artistic goals of the event and the practical safety needs of the community.

The incident highlights the importance of careful planning and communication between event organizers, municipal authorities, and residents to ensure that public events enhance the urban experience without compromising safety. The city of Kaufbeuren has indicated a willingness to adjust its approach, aiming for improved coordination and technical solutions for the next year's festival.

As the city continues to develop its cultural offerings, the experience from this year's 'Altstadtfunkeln' will inform future event planning with a stronger emphasis on safety and accessibility for all attendees and local residents.