50 Years Kulturzentrum Pumpwerk — Anniversary Festival
Anniversary weekend celebrating the 50th birthday of Lower Saxony's oldest socio-cultural centre
About 50 Years Pumpwerk
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a 50 Years Pumpwerk al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
50 Years of Cultural Work on the Banter Deich
The Kulturzentrum Pumpwerk was opened on August 6th, 1976, in a former industrial pumping station — hence the name. It is Lower Saxony's oldest socio-cultural centre and is considered a pioneer of this movement nationwide. For over five decades, the Pumpwerk has established itself as an indispensable cultural hub: concerts of all genres, cabaret, comedy, readings, workshops, club activities, political discussions, family events — the programme reflects the full spectrum of vibrant socio-cultural work.
Ceremony and Birthday Party
The anniversary weekend from August 6th to 8th, 2026, is designed as the highlight of an entire anniversary year. On August 6th — the exact 50th birthday — the official ceremony will take place, with representatives from politics, culture, and civil society expected to attend. Speeches, celebratory addresses, and musical contributions will honour the achievements and the Pumpwerk's contribution to Wilhelmshaven's cultural life. On August 8th, the grand birthday party will follow — a day for everyone, with a programme, socialising, and a festive atmosphere.
Thomas D & The KBCs — The Musical Highlight
Back in May 2026, the Pumpwerk already presented a special highlight: Thomas D, frontman of Fantastischen Vier, came to Wilhelmshaven with his band The KBCs for an exclusive anniversary concert. The concert was the musical kick-off for the anniversary year. During the August festival itself, other bands and artists who have played a special role in the Pumpwerk's history will perform.
50 Years Pumpwerk — edition 2026
50th Birthday
The 50th birthday falls on August 6th, 2026 — exactly 50 years after its opening on August 6th, 1976. The anniversary weekend is designed as the highlight of an entire anniversary year.
Significance of the Pumpwerk
As Lower Saxony's oldest socio-cultural centre, the Pumpwerk has set standards for an entire generation of socio-cultural institutions. Its programme and working methods remain a model to this day.
Programme 50 Years Pumpwerk 2026
2026 Programme
The exact 2026 programme — ceremony speakers, birthday party stage acts, special exhibitions — will be published by the Pumpwerk in due course. The structure follows the established cornerstones of an anniversary festival:
- Thursday, August 6th, 2026 — Official 50th birthday ceremony with speeches, celebratory addresses, and musical contributions
- Friday, August 7th, 2026 — Programme day with concerts, workshops, and open social formats
- Saturday, August 8th, 2026 — Grand birthday party with live music, family programme, festive atmosphere
- Musical highlight of the anniversary year: Concert by Thomas D & The KBCs on May 21st, 2026
- Accompanying exhibition on the history of the Pumpwerk
Individual programme items are ticketed, others are free to attend.
Highlights 50 Years Pumpwerk 2026
- 50th birthday of Lower Saxony's oldest socio-cultural centre
- Official ceremony on August 6th
- Grand birthday party on August 8th
- Thomas D & The KBCs as the highlight of the anniversary year
Prices 50 Years Pumpwerk 2026
Practical information — 50 Years Pumpwerk
Getting Here
The Kulturzentrum Pumpwerk is located at Banter Deich 2 in Wilhelmshaven, within walking distance of the main train station. Arrive via the A 29 motorway. Parking facilities are available in the immediate vicinity.
On Site
The anniversary programme will take place in the rooms and on the outdoor grounds of the Pumpwerk. Specific locations will be communicated in the programme flyer.
Tickets
Individual events during the anniversary weekend require tickets, while others are free to attend. Detailed information is available on the Pumpwerk website.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a 50 Years Pumpwerk al mejor precio.
Sponsored link