Classic open air without fireworks: Species protection for night herons comes first!

Classic open air without fireworks: Species protection for night herons comes first!

The Classic Open Air at Monrepos Castle in Ludwigsburg will take place this year on July 19, 2025 without fireworks. This ban is a direct measure to protect the night heron, a protected bird species that is on the Red List of Endangered Breeding Bird Species. The night heron breeds on Cupid Island in the Schlosssee, which is the only occupied breeding site in Baden-Württemberg Stuttgart News report.

Last year, ornithologists observed that fewer night herons were seen in the area after fireworks. This suggests that the sounds and flashes of fireworks could pose a serious disturbance to the birds during the breeding and breeding season. These findings led to intensive discussions between the Stuttgart regional council, the city of Ludwigsburg and the district office, which have been looking for solutions since autumn 2024. Various locations for setting off the fireworks were examined, but were deemed problematic.

Reasons for the ban

The nature conservation authority has clearly stated that the fireworks pose a potential danger to the night herons. The Ludwigsburg district office ultimately banned fireworks at the end of the concert. The reason for this is not only to protect the birds, but also to worry about a possible reduction in the population or even injury to young birds that could be near the breeding site. According to an original assumption by the district office, the night heron would have already completed its breeding activities by the time of the concert, but this turned out to be incorrect. The Ludwigsburg district added that experts revised that even at a distance of up to 800 meters from the breeding site, the noise could pose a significant disturbance.

Reactions to the ban

Mayor Matthias Knecht expressed incomprehension about the ban and is even considering legal action. Organizer Lucas Reuter regrets the decision and emphasizes that this ban could mean the end of the Klassik Open Air in its current form. To compensate for the lack of effect of the fireworks, the organizers plan to use lighting effects and installations. The event normally attracts up to 8,000 spectators and is a traditional highlight in Ludwigsburg.

This decision shows once again how important it is to protect biodiversity and that cultural events must be in harmony with nature. The discussion about the fireworks ban could provide further topic of conversation in the coming months, especially if alternative solutions are sought to keep the event attractive.