Preparations for Aasee Festival underway

Bocholt - It all kicks off on Friday afternoon: the Bocholt Aasee Festival begins at 4pm. As a precautionary measure, the city of Bocholt has had the Aasee examined for blue-green algae by a hygiene institute this week. The preliminary result: although many blue-green algae were found, they did not form any toxins.

The DLRG had previously closed the bay to bathers. The reason: the water was very cloudy. This is because a visibility depth of at least 50 centimetres is a prerequisite for safe bathing.

The cyanobacteria known as "blue-green algae" at Bocholter Aasee do not pose a health risk to humans or animals, as they do not produce toxins, as the hygiene institute responsible for the matter explained to the city of Bocholt on Thursday. According to this, the microcystin levels are below the limit values.

Preparations in full swing

The stage for the music and show programme for the Aasee Festival is currently being set up in the bathing bay. "Of course, there is a lot to set up here", says Ludger Dieckhues from Bocholt City Marketing. Together with his team, he is overseeing the final set-up work. "The festival includes a stage, lots of bar tables, beer trolleys, food trucks, parasols - everything you need for a festival", says Dieckhues. But he is certain: "Everything will be in place by 4 pm tomorrow."