Over 3,000 guests attend 'Freedom Dinner' at Berlin's old Tegel airport
Freedom Dinner
The 'Freedom dinner' in Berlin extended gratitude to its citizens at the same time as sending out a powerful message to the world that it was open for business again.
Senate and tourism officials dubbed the event the Freedom Dinner.
'Berlin loves you'
The tables for the 3,000 dinner guests had been set up in such a way that, when viewed from the air, they displayed the words “Berlin loves you” and a large heart.
The organisers said, "a little free catering" was offered to guests, in addition to the food and drink they provided themselves.
Dinner guests thoroughly enjoyed the evening of celebratory dinner, having the chance to celebrate with a large crowd. To be a part of this celebration, guests had to provide proof of vaccination, having been tested, or recovered from COVID-19.
To be part of a crowd again
The picnic which was held on the runway of the former airport served as a fitting send-off for West Berlin's 'Gate to the world', as it became known.
Several people labelled it a 'once-in-a-lifetime event' and a proper 'goodbye'. Some diners especially enjoyed being a part of a large crowd.
Music and cultural performances by various artists rounded off the programme.
Image for representation
Some people tried to get past barricades to the government district around the Reichstag parliament building and clashed with officers
Festival of diversity and joy
In addition to a promotion the capital, organisers Visit Berlin spoke of the event as a festival of diversity and joy.
The event at the former city airport, which closed late last year, cost half a million euros (US$588,000).
In a short period of time, the free tickets were all snapped up. A total of 2,000 tickets were available at the end of July, and another 1,000 tickets were added at the beginning of the week.
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