Conflict intensifies over a beer order at Bamberger Sandkerwa.
On a chaotic night in Bamberg, August 23, 2025, the annual Sandkerwa festival was marked by both excitement and unrest. The Bamberg City Police found themselves in the midst of multiple incidents, including a dispute between a 54-year-old man and a waitress over a beer order, and a brawl that occurred in the city center.
The dispute between the man and the waitress took place at the Sandkerwa, leading to the man's criminal complaint and eviction. Reports suggest that the man pushed and insulted the waitress during the altercation.
In another incident, a 36-year-old man behaved extremely aggressively and attacked police officers at around 2 a.m. When the police took him into custody, he attempted to bite them. As a result, the man now faces a criminal complaint and spent the night in a detox cell.
The brawl, which occurred shortly after midnight, took place in front of the "Kochlöffel" restaurant. Two young men sustained minor injuries during the brawl, and two uncooperative young men were asked to leave. The police had to intervene as mediators several times throughout the night.
Despite these incidents, the festival was not without its moments of joy. A 10-year-old girl surprised spectators during the youth fishing competition, showcasing remarkable skill and determination. The safe space at the Sandkerwa, designed for those in need, was used for the first time but remained largely undiscovered by festival-goers.
The festival also featured a unique beer action at a restaurant and a duck race for viewers. There are no public reports or verified information about anyone attacking police officers or attempting to bite them during the Sandkerwa festival.
The Bamberg police are currently taking witness statements at 0951/ 9129-210 regarding the brawl. The police encourage anyone with information about these incidents to come forward and assist in the investigation.
As the sun rose over Bamberg, the chaos of the night began to subside, leaving behind memories of both the excitement and unrest that marked the 2025 Sandkerwa festival.