75th Westphalian Marksmen's Day Blomberg

Westphalia's Largest Marksmen's Gathering

The Westphalian Marksmen's Day (WST) is the annual main event of the Westphalian Marksmen's Association 1861 e.V. (WSB). Every two years, the hosting rotates between different locations in NRW – in 2026, Blomberg in the Lippe district is next up, with the 75th edition in the history of the Marksmen's Association. The local host is the traditional Old Blomberg Marksmen's Battalion (ABS).

Double Anniversary – 75th WST and 450 Years of ABS

What makes Blomberg special in 2026: The WST coincides with the 450th anniversary of the ABS (founded in 1576) – one of the oldest marksmen's battalions in Germany. Therefore, the Marksmen's Day has been moved to September (09/18-19) exceptionally, instead of taking place in October as usual. The double anniversary shapes the entire program, from the commemorative publication to the festive speech by the WSB presidency.

Grand Parade Through the Old Town

The heart of every Marksmen's Day is the grand parade through the city center on Sunday, in which marksmen, marksmen's ladies, drum corps, music corps, and royal couples from all over Westphalia participate – several thousand uniformed individuals with flags, fanfares, and marching music. Blomberg's old town with its market square, the late Gothic St. Martin's Church, and the historic castle forms the backdrop.

Competitions – King and Youth King Shooting

On Saturday, the focus is on the shooting competitions: Adult King Shooting, Youth King Shooting, Team Competitions. The elected Federal King or Queen is solemnly proclaimed and represents the WSB in the following year. In addition, medals of merit and district awards are presented.

Tree Planting and Festive Evening

Traditionally, a tree planting is carried out during the WST as a sustainable memento. The festive evening with a festive speech, ceremony, and music program concludes the Sunday. A festival hall on the fairgrounds and several accompanying events in the city center are expected in Blomberg.

Blomberg – Hanseatic City in the Lippe Uplands

Blomberg is one of the historic Lippe Hanseatic cities, located in the southeastern part of the Lippe district near Detmold. The small, well-preserved old town with its palace, castle, and city walls is UNESCO-worthy. The city is being elaborately prepared for an event with several thousand marksmen and accompanying persons from all over Westphalia – the Lippische Landes-Zeitung and Blomberg-Nachrichten have been documenting the preparatory work for months.