Schützenfest Melbeck

Schützenverein Melbeck und Umgegend von 1921

The Schützenverein Melbeck und Umgegend von 1921 e.V. was founded in 1921, boasting over a century of tradition. Members come from Melbeck and the surrounding villages of the Samtgemeinde Ilmenau. The association cultivates sport shooting with small-caliber and air rifles, as well as social club life centered around the annual Whitsun Schützenfest, which is the social highlight of the club's year.

Whitsun Schützenfest — A Firm Tradition

The dating of the Schützenfest to Whitsun is a firm tradition of the association. Like many North German shooting clubs, Melbeck has linked its festival to a public holiday — Whitsun Sunday offers ideal conditions: a long weekend with two days off for the marksmen and their families, the opportunity to organize the festival's conclusion on Whit Monday, or for club members to relax with a quiet aftermath. In 2025, the festival fell on May 25 (Whitsun Sunday); in 2026, Whitsun falls on May 24.

Program at the Schützenhaus

The festival takes place at the Schützenhaus at Schützenstraße 2. The assembly of club members in uniform in the morning, the king's shooting competition on the shooting range, the festival parade through Melbeck, the proclamation of the new shooting kings and queens in the late afternoon or evening, the king's dinner, and the dance evening form the classic program highlights. Friendly shooting clubs from the Samtgemeinde Ilmenau and the neighboring Samtgemeinde Bardowick participate in the festival parade.

Melbeck in the Samtgemeinde Ilmenau

Melbeck is located south of Lüneburg in the Samtgemeinde Ilmenau. With active associations, a fire department, and a church community, the village maintains a vibrant village life. The Whitsun Schützenfest is an expression of this strong community identity and is one of the most traditional club festivals in the region.