Bocholt Culture Days 2026

*Till Eulenspiegel* tells the story of a cunning rebel who, through wit and provocation, exposes the abuse of power, hypocrisy and stupidity.

The play combines social commentary with humour, live music and a fast-paced theatrical spectacle.

So Till Eulenspiegel takes to the stage and sheds his medieval cloak, though he always keeps his jester's cap on, true to his motto: 'Play the fool and be cunning!' Sometimes a prankster who rubs salt into the wound, sometimes a shrewd clown with many names: the word-twister, the keen observer, the one who hears the nuances. And today! A comedian, a jailed activist, or even a world-famous social media star?!

Where are the boundaries of comedy? Who has the final say? Or will it remain as it always has been: he who laughs last laughs best? The ensemble from the NN Theatre Cologne skilfully brings this to the stage.

The event is taking place in cooperation with the Stadttheater Bocholt e.V.

The jazz concert as part of the BOHJazz series takes place on Thursday evening.

The trio led by guitarist Christian Hassenstein will be performing with Gerard Kleijn.

During the concert, visitors can enjoy food and drink at the stalls of the Bocholt evening market.

The soloist, Gerard Kleijn, is a Dutch jazz trumpeter and composer. He studied jazz trumpet in Hilversum, Rotterdam and later in New York. He has enjoyed great success with his music not only throughout Europe but also internationally. He has performed in Syria, Mexico, Russia and the United States. From an early age, he has led his own groups and, as a (co-)bandleader, has recorded 12 CDs featuring his own compositions. Gerard Kleijn regularly performs as a session musician with ensembles and big bands. He is also a dedicated trumpet teacher, workshop leader and conductor of several big bands.

The Jazz Evening is supported by Stadtsparkasse Bocholt.

'Unverschämt!"' can be taken as an indignant exclamation by those with a sense of humour, but it can also be a genuine mark of quality - as is the case with a FALK concert.

In his current concert programme, "Unverschämt%$, the singer-songwriter delightfully pushes boundaries in every direction, paired with biting yet likeable sarcasm - a lovable rascal, in other words. At the same time, however, he is more than that.

FALK is a storyteller with a thoughtful side that can really move you. He has received numerous awards for his art, most recently the 2025 GERMAN KLEINKUNSTPRIZE in the music category.

The event is being held in cooperation with Stadttheater Bocholt e.V.

4.00-5.00 pm
Open-air singing in the market square: "Singing is fun - singing is good for you" EVERYONE JOIN IN!

5.00-6.00 pm
Super Drum Show
An exciting event for the whole family
No prior experience is necessary; everyone can join in, regardless of age or cultural background. After a rousing opening performance, all spectators will be given a drum (the "Bucket") and a pair of drumsticks, allowing them to become part of the SUPER DRUM SHOW.

6.30-7.30 pm
Mr. Brassident is an eight-piece band from North Rhine-Westphalia who, using wind instruments and drums, take an adventurous journey through the hits of rock and pop, funk and soul, film and television from past decades right up to the present day. The musicians humorously adapt their repertoire of laid-back pop, soulful grooves, pumping funk and pounding metal rhythms to the analogue world of brass music, ensuring a brilliant atmosphere for young and old alike.

8 pm
MÄLKA are dedicated to Motown classics. The 12 members of MÄLKA perform hits by Earth, Wind & Fire, Billy Preston and Stevie Wonder so convincingly that the music gets the audience on their feet. Evenings with MÄLKA, who thrill audiences on stage with a full brass section and harmonised vocals, are always a delight and make time fly by. You can really tell that MÄLKA are having fun and playing with such enthusiasm as they convey the spirit of the music from that era. The twelve members have been performing with passion for many years and have earned themselves a fine reputation - even beyond their "living room", the Alte Molkerei.

On the final day of the Culture Days, there will once again be a wide range of art and culture to experience from 11 am to 6 pm.

Organised by Hans Michael Spogahn, the "CityArt% art market stretchesfrom Neutorplatz to Marktplatz $1, organised by Hans Michael Spogahn, stretches from Neutorplatz to Marktplatz, offering visitors the chance to discover and purchase artworks by more than 60 artists not only from Bocholt, but from across North Rhine-Westphalia, the Netherlands and Ukraine.

On the Marktplatz , children and young people can take part in artistic activities under supervision, independently and free of charge, between 11 am and 6 pm, giving free rein to their creativity. They will be supported by members of the Bocholt Art and Culture Association, staff from the Bocholt City Archives, the LWL Textile Museum Bocholt and other organisations.

"The Big Wolf and the Little Wolf", a puppet show for children aged 4 and over, will take place at 11 am and 3 pm on the stage in the market square. The puppet shows are organised in cooperation with the Child Protection Association. Admission is free. Booking is required and will be available from 15 July.