Rhine in Flames in Bonn is a truly traditional event. Every year, it attracts around 100,000 visitors to Bonn's Rheinaue. When the fireworks light up the sky over the Rhine, it is always a special moment for us as a security service - and a logistical challenge at the same time.
"Rhine in Flames is a huge challenge every year - not because of the amount of work involved, but because of the many little things that have to work together. Every agreement, every radio call and every single employee counts. When you know at the end of the evening that everything has run smoothly, it simply makes you proud. I know exactly what it means to stand at a barrier for hours in the rain. That's why I'm grateful every year for the commitment of our team. Everyone pulls together and stays calm, even when things get stressful."
In 2025, the city of Bonn once again commissioned us to organise traffic management around the Rhine in Flames. As we were already familiar with the processes and requirements of previous years, we were once again able to successfully implement our tried-and-tested concept. Our main tasks included setting up and securing the road closures and directing the flow of visitors at bus and train stops.
Certain restricted areas could only be passed by buses and taxis until a set time, while others - especially those directly on the festival site - were only accessible to special vehicles such as emergency services or the police. The entire operation covered a large area, spread over two sides of the Rhine, and required a great deal of coordination and oversight.
Like almost every year, the weather didn't quite play ball this time either. Days before the event and often on the day itself, it rained again and again. Our employees were out in the open, sometimes for many hours - this requires real commitment and stamina.
Another point is the logistics: the individual closure points are kilometres apart. Even by car, it sometimes takes 15 minutes to get from A to B. Everything has to run smoothly, especially during shift changes - radio contact, arrangements, handovers.
Local residents also provide variety every year: many show understanding, others are surprised or annoyed because they can't get through. Most remain friendly, but there are always a few who misjudge the situation or even act in a risky manner. For us, this means staying calm, communicating clearly and acting safely.
Around 90 security personnel were deployed in three shifts at a total of 22 positions. Each barrier had its own schedule and a defined crew. The operations management team was active throughout the event at the control centre in the Rheinaue park restaurant and was in close contact with the organiser, the police, the fire brigade and the city of Bonn.
The tried and tested safety concept from previous years once again proved to be reliable. If necessary, adjustments were made at short notice, for example when traffic flows changed or new decisions were made. Everyone involved worked together smoothly - just as you would expect for an event of this size.
We are very satisfied with the services provided by Paffen Wach- und Sicherheitsdienst GmbH in the areas of security and service. Even short-term agreements and specifications were implemented flawlessly.
"I would like to thank you once again for the good and reliable cooperation."
