From 28 to 30 June 2019 the big family of Neustadt cities met for the third time, after 1979 and 1999, in Bad Neustadt an der Saale and celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Neustadt movement. On a beautiful sunny day 1200 Neustadt citizens from a total of 28 Neustadt cities and six European countries came to the city on the Saale River and celebrated a fabulous anniversary city festival. Two stages were packed with all-day entertainment, many guests were able to get a taste of several regional Neustadt culinary specialities along the Neustadt mile. Absolute highlight was the festive parade of all Neustadt cities which wound through the mediaeval city.

Mayor Bruno Altrichter hosted the Neustadt Meet-up already for the second time and left no wish open in order to ensure that the guests had a great time. For the Chairperson of the Working Group Neustadt in Europe, Petra Bieber, this year’s Meet-up was a “home game” and she was very pleased by the turnout. “The European thought behind the idea is also catching on”, she stressed on the evening of the festival. On this evening. Heinz-Jürgen Huber from Neustadt/ Hesse was honoured by the Director of the Working Group Martin Franck, already for the 25th time he has ridden his bicycle to the Neustadt Meet-up.

With an ecumenical service on Sunday and a following Jazz "Frühschoppen" (late Sunday morning drink) event the festival slowly came to a close. What is left is the memory of a wonderful Neustadt Meet-up with many friendly encounters between the Neustadt cities of Europe.