LateRooms.com - Head to Dusseldorf for the Biggest Funfair on the Rhine

    DUSSELDORF, GERMANY, June 23, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Each July, Dusseldorf takes funfairs to a whole new level with a nine-day event that attracts four million visitors.

Known locally as the Kirmes or the biggest funfair on the Rhine, this temporary complex of Ferris wheels, rollercoasters and other rides features about 350 attractions in total, spread over a 17-hectare site.

This year's event takes place from July 17th to 25th, with many people expected to book hotels in Dusseldorf for the occasion.

One of the most important festivals on the city's calendar, the riverside funfair is also the fourth largest annual event in Germany.

Only the Oktoberfest in Munich, Herne's Cranger Kirmes and the Cannstatter Wasen in Stuttgart attract more people on an annual basis.

The origins of the Kirmes can be traced back to a celebration honouring Dusseldorf's patron saint, Apollinaris of Ravenna, in the 14th century, although nowadays the event is more about the bright lights and thrill rides.

As well as the numerous rollercoasters, the festival site contains many food vendors, beer tents and other stalls to keep the crowds refreshed.

According to the Dusseldorf Tourist Board, visitors looking for a bite to eat can expect everything from "potato pancakes or fried fish to gourmet food served in the French village".

On July 23rd, the festivities will culminate with a spectacular firework display over the river.

However, some features of the original event have survived, including the traditional shooting competition.

Known as the Schutzenfest, this tournament involves local marksmen attempting to shoot a wooden target in the shape of a sparrow.

The funfair site is located in the district of Oberkassel and overlooks the city's old town, on the left bank of the Rhine.

Jessica Reading, head of marketing for LateRooms, commented: "Demand for the biggest funfair on the Rhine is always significant and we recommend that anyone considering attending should book their hotels Dusseldorf as early as possible."

Editors Notes:

www.LateRooms.com is part of the B2C sector of TUI Travel PLC's Accommodation and Destination Division. Also within this sector are AsiaRooms.com and Hotels-London.co.uk.

LateRooms.com is the UK's leading online accommodation site offering late availability deals in over 37,000 properties worldwide, ranging from bed and breakfasts to five-star luxury hotels.

LateRooms.com offers customers a saving of up to 70 per cent off the normal room rate for a variety of independent and branded hotels. Customers can book online or by phone 24/7, whether booking 12 months or 12 minutes in advance - whatever time, whatever day. No other accommodation site offers this flexibility.

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To view LateRooms.com press pages, please see http://press.laterooms.com/.

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