Long Night of Democracy 2025

On October 2nd, the city of Heilbronn invites you once again to the "Long Night of Democracy" at the marketplace and in the town hall for dancing, slam poetry, lectures, music, city tours, and workshops – a creative evening full of impulses, encounters, and democracy! On October 2nd, the marketplace and the town hall will transform into a vibrant stage for lived democracy! Visitors can expect a diverse, inspiring, and entertaining program for young and old during the "Long Night of Democracy." At 5 PM, Mayor Martin Diepgen will officially open the Long Night of Democracy at the marketplace. Following this, visitors can enjoy a colorful stage program until 8 PM, featuring a flash mob by students from Rosenauschule with Zenny Flex, a fashion show of sustainable creations by Heinrich-von-Kleist-Realschule, and poetry slam contributions by Laura Gommel. At the same time, the Democracy Village will invite exchanges with booths from associations and initiatives engaged in the federal project "Partnership for Democracy," complemented by a pop-up exhibition on memory culture, the action "Your Dignity is Inviolable" by the City Church of Heilbronn, and the live broadcast of the Green Capital Award ceremony. Starting at 6 PM, the marketplace will continue with music from Pete Jones and the band RAHÎ, while exciting lectures will take place in the Small Council Chamber, including "Learning Democracy with Star Wars" by Tobias Gäckle-Brauchler and a talk by Dr. Günter Horn from the association "more than voting." Additionally, an information event about an excursion to the European Parliament in Strasbourg will be held at the Augärtle neighborhood center (Ellwangerstraße 15/1), and from 5 PM at the North City neighborhood center (Rauchstraße 3), there will be a film screening of "The Students of Madame Anne." Sign language interpreters will accompany the event. Participation is free of charge and does not require registration.

Program:
5:00 PM Welcome by Mayor Mr. Diepgen at the marketplace
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Democracy Village Pop-Up Memory “Your Dignity is Inviolable” by the City Church of Heilbronn Live broadcast of the Green Capital Award ceremony at the marketplace
5:15 PM Dance flash mob at the marketplace Students from Rosenauschule perform a self-created dance under the direction of dancer Zenny Flex
5:25 PM Slam poet Laura Gommel at the marketplace The slam poet presents three texts on various topics that move our society
5:30 PM Fashion show at the marketplace Students from Heinrich-von-Kleist-Realschule showcase pieces they created in an upcycling workshop
5:55 PM Slam poet Laura Gommel at the marketplace
6:00 PM "Learning Democracy with Star Wars" – Lecture and Q&A with Mr. Gäckle-Brauchler in the Small Council Chamber A lecture about the fall of the Republic into the Empire in the Star Wars films, illustrating the transformation of a democracy into an autocracy
6:15 PM Pete Jones at the marketplace Pete Jones is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Wales, whose music is inspired by folk, blues, and rock. His songs address social and societal issues and tell stories full of depth and authenticity. Shaped by his years as a street musician in Europe, he brings a special passion to the stage that is immediately palpable
7:00 PM Slam poet Laura Gommel at the marketplace
7:15 PM RAHÎ at the marketplace RAHÎ combines the best of two cultures into a unique, hybrid sound. Authentic German lyrics meet catchy melodies and creative instrumentals created in their own home studio. With their special mix, Rager, Hizir, and Şahin (JAHİN) create magical concert moments – sometimes quiet, sometimes loud, but always touching
7:15 PM More than Voting e.V. - Lecture with Mr. Horn in the Small Council Chamber A lecture about the work of the Frankfurt-based association more than voting e.V. The association organizes formats such as the annual Frankfurt Democracy Convention to consciously, inclusively, and practically involve citizens in political decision-making processes and to pass their recommendations directly to city politics.