Ringfest

The ring was a solid annual outdoor music event in Cologne, at the stage were at different places in the city center of Cologne built on which appeared live bands, but other events were presented. The Ringfest retired from Media Park over the rings to Neumarkt. Between the stages were similar in structure to a fairground stalls for the supply of beverages, food and souvenirs. The sponsors of the Ring festival were largely tobacco companies, producers of alcoholic mixed drinks, radio and television and game console manufacturers. They met here at her elaborately designed stands and their predominantly young target group. For this, you waived entrance fees.

The ring ceremony was held for the first time in 1993. Approximately 200 music groups were presented each year. Groups such as Brings, Fettes Brot, and Caught in the Act, but also many new bands appeared. The trend took off again from the cultured in casting shows chart toppers, to live musicians, not least in the hope of selling CDs revive more. In 2005, around 500,000 visitors were welcomed.

For 2006, the ring ceremony was one month before the scheduled date canceled. The organizers justified their step with the " current state of the music market," which no longer allowed a great feast. Since then, no ring ceremony took place more.

The long parallel to the ring fixed taking place music fair Popkomm takes place in Berlin since 2004. Since 2004, in addition to the ring, the hard "c / o pop" festival of electronic pop culture. The Cologne On Pop presents itself as a combination of music and arts festival as well as Congress. The music and art events taking place both at the Deutz bank of the Rhine and in the various clubs in the city. At the premiere 2004 50.000 visitors came to this festival.