Wolfenbüttel Marksmen's Festival – Proclamation (SG 1601)
Edition 2026 Choir History Folk traditions

Wolfenbüttel Marksmen's Festival – Proclamation (SG 1601)

Solemn proclamation of the new marksmen's majesties on the Stadtmarkt Wolfenbüttel

Wolfenbüttel — Landkreis Wolfenbüttel (03158) Since 1601
Dates 15 May — 15 May 2026
Venue Wolfenbüttel (03158)
Prices Free
Status

About Proclamation SG 1601

The proclamation of the Wolfenbüttel Marksmen's Society of 1601 (Schützengesellschaft Wolfenbüttel von 1601 e.V.) is a traditional highlight in the marksmen's year of the Lessing City. On May 15, 2026, the members of Wolfenbüttel's oldest marksmen's association will gather on the central Stadtmarkt to solemnly announce the new majesties – Marksmen King, Junior Marksmen King, and possibly other dignitaries. With marksmen's attire, flag escorts, festive ceremony, and the traditional Anschuss (firing of a shot) to mark the start of the new marksmen's year, the proclamation combines centuries-old customs with vibrant present-day traditions. The public event also marks the prelude to the grand Citizens' and Marksmen's Festival in September.

Travel to this festival

Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Proclamation SG 1601 al mejor precio.

Book a trip on Trainline

Sponsored link

Wolfenbüttel's Oldest Marksmen Tradition

The Wolfenbüttel Marksmen's Society of 1601 e.V. was founded in 1601, making it the city's oldest marksmen's association. For over 400 years, it has maintained an unbroken tradition, kept the customs of marksmanship alive, and established itself as an important civic institution in Wolfenbüttel. Today, the society has numerous active members and is the organizer of the annual Citizens' and Marksmen's Festival.

Stadtmarkt as a Historic Stage

The proclamation takes place on the Stadtmarkt in front of the historic town hall – one of Wolfenbüttel's most beautiful squares and a stage for important civic events for centuries. The square, with its half-timbered burgher houses and the baroque architecture of the town hall, provides the ideal backdrop for the festive ceremony. The city administration will be closed on this day for this occasion.

Ceremony of the Proclamation

The proceedings follow a time-honored tradition: the marksmen's parade in traditional attire, a welcome address by the society's president, the announcement of the marksmen kings determined in the previous year, the solemn handover of the king's chains and insignia, mutual congratulations, a ceremony with flag escorts and musical accompaniment. A subsequent toast on the Stadtmarkt brings marksmen and citizens together in a convivial atmosphere.

Proclamation SG 1601 — edition 2026

On Friday, May 15, 2026, the solemn proclamation of the new marksmen's majesties of the Wolfenbüttel Marksmen's Society of 1601 e.V. will take place on Wolfenbüttel's Stadtmarkt. Dressed in marksmen's attire and with flag escorts, the members of the Lessing City's oldest marksmen's association will gather to officially announce the royal dignities determined in the previous year. The city administration will be closed on this day for this occasion. The event is public and marks the prelude to the Citizens' and Marksmen's Festival in September 2026.

Highlight of the Marksmen's Year

With the proclamation on May 15, the actual marksmen's year begins for the Marksmen's Society. The new majesties will represent their society until the next king's competition and will be ambassadors for the club on numerous occasions in the city and region during this time.

Programme Proclamation SG 1601 2026

Planned Program 2026

Friday, May 15, 2026 — Proclamation

  • Parade of the marksmen in traditional attire on the Stadtmarkt
  • Festive opening by the President of the Marksmen's Society
  • Welcome of guests of honor from the city, district, and marksmen's associations
  • Announcement of the new majesties 2026:
  • Marksmen King
  • Junior Marksmen King
  • Other dignitaries
  • Solemn handover of the king's chains and insignia
  • Salutes and Anschuss (firing of a shot) to mark the new marksmen's year
  • Mutual congratulations and reception as part of the ceremonial act
  • Subsequent toast in the festival tent or on the square
  • City administration closed on this day

Connection to the Citizens' and Marksmen's Festival

  • Prelude to the main festival in September 2026
  • Four months of preparation time until the grand festival week

Highlights Proclamation SG 1601 2026

Proclamation of Wolfenbüttel's oldest marksmen's society | Solemn ceremony on the historic Stadtmarkt | Marksmen's attire and flag escorts | City administration closed on this day | Public and free event | Prelude to the Citizens' and Marksmen's Festival in September

Prices Proclamation SG 1601 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Proclamation SG 1601

Location

Stadtmarkt, 38300 Wolfenbüttel.

Date

May 15, 2026. City administration closed on this day.

Getting There

Wolfenbüttel train station (10 minutes on foot), A39 exit Wolfenbüttel-Nord. Parking available in the city center parking garages.

Admission

Free admission.

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.

Contact Proclamation SG 1601

Proclamation SG 1601 at a glance

Choir History Folk traditions Folklore Free Landkreis Wolfenbüttel