Gelsenkirchen criticizes renaming to \ swiftkirchen \ because of theft and controversy

Gelsenkirchen criticizes renaming to \ swiftkirchen \ because of theft and controversy

The magic of «Swiftkirchen» in Gelsenkirchen

The colorful world of the “Swiftkirchen” local signs currently ensures a lot of hustle and bustle in Gelsenkirchen. The city marketing director Sandra Falkenauer reports on some signs that have already disappeared. These colorful signs, which should actually celebrate the arrival of pop star Taylor Swift in the city, have been placed due to their amount so that thefts are to be prevented.

Since the beginning of July, 30 “Swiftkirchen” local signs have been adorning various places in the city center. It all started with a student who started a petition to temporarily rename Gelsenkirchen for the three concerts of Taylor Swift.

But the campaign did not encounter approval everywhere. Some signs were even glued over, for example with football stickers. Videos on social media led to heated discussions about the meaning and nonsense of the renaming. Critics emphasize that Gelsenkirchen has more important topics than concerts of a US singer.

city demands local patriotism

in response to the negative comments, city marketing on Facebook spoke up. The comment asked the residents of Gelsenkirchen to exercise local patriotism and common sense. Despite all the problems that have to be solved, it is now in the population to present the city positively and to present itself to the world in good light.

The city of Gelsenkirchen expects around 200,000 fans in the course of the three Swift concerts on July 17th, 18th and 19th. After the shows in Gelsenkirchen, Taylor Swift will also perform in Hamburg and Munich to inspire their German fans.

- Nag