Bataillonsfest Südholz — V. Bataillon Lohne

Bataillonsfest Südholz — Tradition since the 17th century

The Schützenverein Lohne e.V. von 1608 is one of the oldest and largest shooting associations in Northern Germany. With several thousand members, it is divided into several battalions, each of which maintains its own festival calendar and organizes its own battalion festival. The V. Bataillon Südholz is rooted in the district of the same name and hosts its battalion festival annually at the beginning of July.

Mustering, March, and Battalion Shooting

A battalion festival in the Lower Saxony-Oldenburg shooting tradition follows a clearly structured pattern: mustering of the marksmen under the leadership of the battalion command, march through the district accompanied by a brass band (often the Musikverein Bakum or a comparable ensemble in the region), battalion shooting among eligible members, and ceremonial honors.

King's Proclamation and Festival Evening

The highlight of every battalion festival is the selection and proclamation of the battalion king. With the handover of the king's plaque and the entry into the battalion book, the new king assumes the representation of the battalion for one year. The festival evening traditionally includes a king's dinner, catering in the festival tent, and a dance evening with live music.

Significance for the Südholz District

For Südholz, the Bataillonsfest is the social highlight of the summer. Families, neighbors, and club friends from the other battalions of the Lohne Schützenverein come to the festival, and the festival tent becomes a meeting place for all generations. Visitors from outside are also welcome.

Connection to the Musikverein Bakum

The musical accompaniment is traditionally provided by the Musikverein Bakum or another ensemble from the region. The calendar of the Musikverein Bakum lists the Bataillonsfest Südholz for July 3, 2026.