This is how impressive the Familienfest.NRW was: pictures of the best moments

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

On the grounds of the Jahrhunderthalle, one highlight followed the next: blue light mile, fairy tale forest, explorer workshop, game 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. Amazed eyes everywhere: "Mom, I want to go to the fire department," "Grandma, come with me to the fairy tale forest," "Dad, I absolutely have to go on the bungee trampoline," "Where can I get butterfly wings?" - this and similar sounds came from all corners. In fact, given the abundance of free offers and attractions, it was difficult to decide where to go first.

The all-day festival had something to offer on the entire area of the Westpark. On the stage at the Nordwiese Johannes Büchs, known as the presenter of the show "Sendung mit der Maus", led through the program. There, spectacular soccer acrobatics alternated with science experiments and artistry, dance, music and talk shows. Walk acts and balloon magicians kept the audience in a good mood along the way. Even the characters from "Die Sendung mit der Maus" such as the blue elephant, the pink rabbit, Käpt'n Blaubär and Hein Blöd did not shy away from meeting the visitors. Even Bobby Bolzer didn't miss the chance to stop by and spur on everyone who wanted to try out the goal wall shooting

The play paradise with bouncy castles, Warrior course and the climbing wall let small adventure hearts beat faster and offered unlimited possibilities to let off steam properly. Dance and music workshops were aimed specifically at young people between the ages of 10 and 14. Those who preferred it a little quieter and cooler could retreat to the cinema lounge for the film show.

After the official welcome, the host, Family Minister Josefine Paul, set off with North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President Hendrik Wüst and Thomas Eiskirch, Lord Mayor of Bochum, for a detailed tour of the festival grounds. First stop: goal wall shooting together. The tour continued to the Fairy Tale 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 associations, initiatives and organizations working with children, youth 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 offerings.

The gastronomic offer with bratwurst, crèpes and refreshing drinks provided the numerous visitors with the necessary energy. Many families took advantage of the cozy picnic area and the family café to take a short break and eat food and drinks they had brought along. The state government distributed drinking bottles to the guests, which visitors could use to get water at the refill stations. Also the spray mist was gladly used in the midsummer temperatures for a fresh cooling.

At this point again many thanks to all who participated and celebrated! Thank you to the exhibitors for the great work. Thank you to the volunteers who helped with the festival. Thank you to the security guards 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 there are many impressions of beautiful moments at the Familienfest.NRW. Just click through:

Credit: MKJFGFI | Sascha Schürmann, rupert oberhäuser fotografie