„Poetry meets Fußball”: Großes Finale im Kölner Hauptbahnhof

In the organizer's words:

Word art and a love of sport live at the shopping station

When the station transforms from a place of travel into a place of linguistic art and poetry, the hustle and bustle suddenly turns into spellbound attention. And when the theme of soccer heats up the anticipation of this year's European Championship, nothing stands in the way of an atmospheric evening. On May 17, 2024 from 5 p.m., four slam poets will stir up the reception hall of Cologne Central Station with their specially written stories and poems in the grand finale of the "Poetry meets Football" tour. The program is supported by the stores in the shopping station and admission is free!

The "Poetry meets Football" tour through train stations in North Rhine-Westphalia comprises a total of five dates, consisting of four preliminary rounds and the final in Cologne.

Preliminary rounds

13.05.24: Essen main station

14.05.24: Duisburg main station

15 .05.24:Wuppertal Central Station

16.05.24: Münster (Westphalia) main station

Final

17.05.24: Cologne Central Station

In addition to the four eloquent finalists, the audience can also look forward to the singer-songwriter Matze from Bonn. The colorful evening program will be moderated by Luca Swieter, a well-known figure from the German poetry slam scene.

If you are new to poetry slam, the shopping station is the perfect opportunity to get to know and love this multifaceted show format. In contrast to readings or cabaret art, there are no stylistic guidelines and almost anything that is possible with language can be presented - from poems and acapella rap to poignant stories and humorous comedy-style storytelling. However, there is one requirement: each artist will prepare at least one presentation on the topic of soccer. Entertaining stories and perspectives on Germany's favorite sport are therefore guaranteed.

During the event, you can also take part in a competition in which vouchers for a store in the shopping center will be lotteries. With a bit of luck, you'll have the chance to go shopping for free at the Einkaufsbahnhof right after the show.

Last but not least: from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. there will be additional fun for all soccer fans: A Bolzbox, known from the TV show "Schlag den Star", invites you to take part in fun sit-down soccer duels. All participants will receive a small gift. Some of them have been designed by the artist Jacques Tilly. While stocks last.