Axel Iben new king of Wildeshauser Schützengilde celebrated!

Axel Iben new king of Wildeshauser Schützengilde celebrated!

Wildeshausen, Deutschland - axel Iben became the new king of the Wildeshauser Schützengilde on June 10, 2025. The 46-year-old farmer from Ganderkesee prevailed at the royal shooting in the Krandel and shot off the coveted Papagoy. During the exciting event, a total of 30 guild brothers took part in four groups, with Iben finally winning in the fourth group, although many participants had to deal with charging errors. This was his eighth participation in shooting and the first time that he was in the final.

For the new king, who has been a member of the guild since 2008, the rifle tradition is particularly important. Iben, married to Christian and father of two children, Fynn (13) and Lara (10), in his first speech thanked not only with his family, but also at his guild club "Primus Inter Pares". After the royal shot, he was celebrated by the crowd and carried to the coronation table on a litter, where he was received with enthusiasm.

The Gildefest and its traditions

The Gildefest in Wildeshausen, which takes place from June 7th to 14th, 2025, is full of highlights and traditions. During the festival, brown beer is served, which is very popular with the guild brothers. General Jens Kuraschinski suggested moving pump lines to the town hall hall to save beer. Central events are the royal shooting and the children's rifle festival, which begins on June 14th at 5 p.m.

Some discussions were conducted during the festival about the participation of girls in the royal shooting and a controversial lyrics. Manfred Wulf appealed the respect among the guild members. The rifle festival traditions are deeply rooted in the community and refer to the historical origins when shooters were responsible for the safety of the communities. In Germany, over 15,000 shooting clubs are active and regularly organize shooting festivals.

program and financing

The planning for the 622nd Gildefest has now been completed. Exciting program items include a tent party on June 7, an ecumenical service and fireworks on June 8th as well as a historical art and craftsman market and a torch parade on June 9th. The king shooting and the presentation of the new pair of sheep are on the program on June 10th.

An important aspect of the festival is also the financial participation of the guild, which has invested 80,000 euros in the renovation of the Widukindhalle, which has led to a household hole. Despite these challenges, the guild remained determined to keep its traditions out and to put on great celebrations. The number of members of the shooting clubs are still on a growth course, which ensures the future of this important tradition.

The Gildefest is not only a celebration of the shooting system, but also a bar of the community and tradition, as in many other cities in Germany, where similar festivals are celebrated. These festivals not only enrich local life, but also strengthen cohesion among the citizens.

For more information about the shooting system and the traditions in the region see NWZ Online and all-schuetzenvereine.de .