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Gema Fees Impact Christmas Markets in Lower Saxony
Increased Gema fees for music at Christmas markets in Lower Saxony force organizers to reduce or eliminate music programs or seek sponsorships and government support.
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Germany EntertainmentLifestyleMusicChristmasCostsFees
GemaChristmas Markets In HildesheimChristmas Markets In BraunschweigChristmas Markets In GöttingenChristmas Markets In Hannover
- How does Gema calculate the costs for sound at Christmas markets?
- The Gema, a German performance rights organization, calculates Christmas market sound costs based on the total event area. Some markets misreported their size, leading to re-measurements and increased costs.
- How are larger Christmas markets in Lower Saxony dealing with the increased costs of music?
- Göttingen is reducing its music offerings and using sponsors to cover Gema fees; Hannover is planning a mix of Gema-free and Gema-liable days for its live performances. The Gema's calculation method, based on the entire market area, significantly increases costs.
- What is the overall impact of the increased Gema fees on Christmas markets in Lower Saxony?
- The increased Gema fees are significantly impacting the budgets of many Christmas markets in Lower Saxony, leading to changes in musical programming and a need for creative solutions to maintain festive atmospheres.
- What support is available for smaller Christmas markets in Lower Saxony concerning Gema fees?
- The state of Lower Saxony will cover Gema fees for up to four small Christmas markets organized by non-profit groups per year. These markets must be under 500 square meters, have no entrance fee, and be registered online.
- What measures are being taken by some Christmas markets in Lower Saxony to address the increased Gema fees?
- Several large Christmas markets in Lower Saxony are reducing or eliminating music programs due to increased Gema fees. Hildesheim will only allow individual stalls to play music at their own expense; Braunschweig will only have music at the beginning and end of the market and some unamplified choir performances.