Offenbach Strengthens Event Security with €565K Barrier Investment
Stricter Security Rules for Large Events in Hesse—Offenbach Steps In to Cover Costs
Since last year, Hesse has imposed heightened security requirements for major public gatherings. In Offenbach, this means that many festivals, parades, and events now require professional vehicle barriers as a counterterrorism measure. Certified bollards and blockades are used to prevent unauthorized vehicle access—but these systems come at a steep price, potentially placing a heavy financial burden on organizers.
City Provides Barriers Free of Charge
To ensure that long-standing traditions in Offenbach are not derailed by the added expenses, the city is supporting organizers by supplying the necessary barriers. Paul-Gerhard Weiß, the city's head of public order, notes that Offenbach had already rented protective elements at short notice in 2025 "to ensure all festivals and events could go ahead." This year, the city has taken a further step: "Since 2026, Offenbach has its own equipment, which we provide free of charge to the organizers we work with."
Weiß also emphasizes the broader context: counterterrorism, he stresses, is the responsibility of the federal government and security agencies—not local municipalities. Nevertheless, the city council has agreed that no event should be canceled due to the new financial demands. "We all agree in the council that higher costs should not force any festival to shut down," says Weiß. "That's why we, as a city, are doing our part to ensure our celebrations can continue under the necessary security conditions."
Three Systems for the Main River Festival and Other Major Events
Through a Europe-wide tender, the city's municipal services department has acquired three different barrier systems, designed for flexible deployment. The total cost amounts to around €565,000. The quantity is sufficient to secure even the Main River Festival, the city's largest event. The barriers have already been used during this year's Carnival parades in Bieber and Bürgel. They are also set to be deployed at ten other annual major events, including the Christmas market and Offenbach Week.
City treasurer Martin Wilhelm describes the solution as practical for both organizers and the municipality: "By purchasing the barriers and contracting a service provider, we've found a cost-effective, streamlined, and user-friendly way to support the organization of large-scale events in Offenbach."
Logistics Handled by External Provider
Storage, maintenance, delivery, and installation of the barriers are managed by an external contractor. Following a separate procurement process, the city awarded the contract to ERKO GmbH, based in Mühlheim, at the start of the year. Logistics costs are fixed by contract and available to organizers at these rates. Depending on the event, the city may also cover part of the logistics expenses to further ease the burden on organizers. According to the city, affected event planners were briefed on procedures and details in an informational meeting.
No Public Disclosure of Specific Security Plans
The city continues to withhold precise details about individual security measures for festivals and events, citing security concerns.
