Concert at the Lens

Music under the Lens

When the stage is set up at Sodenmattsee on a September Sunday, it's time for the Konzert an der Linse – one of the most popular district festivals in Bremen's southwest. The unusual, oval roof of the Huchting Grünzentrum gives the event its name: the striking metal plate, standing on stilts in the middle of the park at Sodenmattsee, was originally planned by Bremen's environmental department as a sunshade – but the Huchting residents quickly nicknamed it the 'Linse' (Lens). Up to 2,000 people gather under this unmistakable roof every year to enjoy live music, good food, and a neighbourly atmosphere, all with free admission.

Rock Classics and Cake Buffet

The music is dominated by handmade rock classics. In past editions, bands like the Hafenrocker from the Hamburg region have created a great atmosphere – with a repertoire spanning four decades of rock history, from Queen and Led Zeppelin to AC/DC. There's also a well-stocked cake buffet, bratwurst and steak rolls, and plenty of hot and cold drinks. It's a classic district festival where the whole neighbourhood comes together, from toddlers to pensioners, and the late summer sun sets in a relaxed way by the water.

Voluntary Work for a Liveable Huchting

The concert is made possible by voluntary commitment: since 2005 – with its 20th anniversary celebrated in 2025 – the association 'Wir für Huchting' has been organizing the event. Its stated goal is to promote community among the residents of the district and to transform public spaces into attractive meeting points through cultural and social projects. The Konzert an der Linse is part of a series of district festivals in Huchting, a green district on the western edge of the state of Bremen, with the Sodenmattsee as a local recreation area. It's hands-on Hanseatic community spirit: not imposed from above, but organised by local people for their district.