It was simply fantastic: the first family and children's festival in North Rhine-Westphalia attracted more than 30,000 children, parents and grandparents to Bochum on June 18 in perfect summer weather and free admission. The varied program offered excitement, fun and lots of hands-on activities for young and old.

On the grounds of the Jahrhunderthalle, one highlight followed the next: the blue light mile, fairytale forest, explorer's workshop, games paradise, artistic performances, street dance, face painting, bouncy castles, warrior course, cinema, creative hands-on activities and much more made the festival something very special. Everywhere you looked, eyes were filled with amazement: "Mom, I want to join the fire department", "Grandma, come with me to the fairytale forest", "Dad, I really have to go on the bungee trampoline", "Where can I find the butterfly wings?" - these and similar questions were heard from all corners. Given the abundance of free offers and attractions, it was actually difficult to decide where to go first.

The all-day festival had something to offer across the entire area of the Westpark. Johannes Büchs, known as the presenter of "Sendung mit der Maus", hosted the program on the stage at the Nordwiese. There, spectacular soccer acrobatics alternated with science experiments and artistry, dance, music and talks. Walk acts and balloon magicians ensured good humor along the way. Even the characters from the "Sendung mit der Maus" show, such as the blue elephant, the pink rabbit, Captain Bluebear and Hein Blöd, did not shy away from meeting the visitors. Even Bobby Bolzer didn't miss the chance to drop by to spur on everyone who wanted to try their hand at goal wall shooting

The play paradise with bouncy castles, a warrior course and the climbing wall made little adventurers' hearts beat faster and offered unlimited opportunities to let off steam. Dance and music workshops were aimed specifically at young people aged between 10 and 14. Those who preferred things a little quieter and cooler could retreat to the cinema lounge for a movie screening.

After the official welcome, the host, Family Minister Josefine Paul, set off on an extensive tour of the festival grounds with North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President Hendrik Wüst and Thomas Eiskirch, Mayor of Bochum. First stop: joint goal wall shooting. They continued to the fairytale forest, where the Minister for Family Affairs took the opportunity to read a story to the children in person. A visit to the Market of Opportunities was also a must. More than 60 non-profit clubs, initiatives and associations working with children, young people and families presented their work in the pagoda tents. Playful and entertaining hands-on activities invited children and adults to get to know the organizations and their family offers.

The catering offer with bratwurst, crèpes and refreshing drinks provided the numerous visitors with the energy they needed. Many families took advantage of the cozy picnic area and the family café to take a short break and enjoy the food and drinks they had brought with them. The state government handed out drinking bottles to the guests, which visitors could use to get water at the refill stations. The spray mist was also popular for cooling off in the midsummer temperatures.

Thank you once again to everyone who took part and celebrated! Thank you to the exhibitors for their great work. Thank you to the volunteers who helped with the festival. Thank you to the security staff on site. And thank you to all the families for coming and for the great atmosphere in which we celebrated together. We are already looking forward to the next time.

In our photo gallery you will find many impressions of beautiful moments at the Familienfest.NRW. Simply click through:

Credit: MKJFGFI | Sascha Schürmann, rupert oberhäuser fotografie