In August, the world of sport will direct its attention towards Aachen – the place where the equestrian sport continually creates its own legends and where magical moments are born. From August 11^th to 23^rd, the Allianz Park will become the vibrant hub of the international equestrian elite, a meeting place for all those, who love top performances and who seek emotion. But before the best athletes in the world compete in the arenas at the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026, the event will kick off with an experience that promises to set new benchmarks: the Opening Ceremony. A celebration of glamour, passion and goosebump moments – spectacularly staged, full of surprises, full of heart and with a huge bang.

Knallblech: When energy evolves into a show

Funky beats. A wild performance. A pure party. That is precisely what Knallblech stands for. Founded at a school in Bonn in 2016, the 11-member brass pop band advanced into a nation-wide party phenomenon in record time. With well-known and new party rhythms, brass instruments, their own DJ beats and sheerly inexhaustible energy, they captivate every audience – whether in the form of an explosive walking act or on big festival stages like Parookaville and Glücksgefühle, at Cologne Pride, the German Protestant Church Assembly or on Mallorca. They also perform at over 100 shows a year during the Carnival in Rhineland and at the sold-out venues of their own tours. On August 11^th, they are bringing their unique ensemble to Aachen, which is guaranteed to provide a fantastic atmosphere at the Opening Ceremony of the FEI World Championships. “We are delighted to have the honour of opening this special event with our party atmosphere!” Tom Bette, Knallblech’s trombonist and singer, stated. He is not alone in his joyful anticipation. The Director, Uwe Brandt, is thrilled too: “The FEI World Championships is going to be a fantastic celebration for Aachen! ‘Welcome Home’ is the motto of the Opening Ceremony. And together with our international guests, we can look forward to a fantastic, emotional and captivating show and a world-class party – also thanks to Knallblech. It is going to be amazing.”

Be there live, when the world is our guest

Anyone, who wants to experience this extraordinary combination between world-class sport, emotion and festival feeling first-hand, should secure their tickets early. The Opening Ceremony promises to be a memorable experience – an evening that not only kicks off the event, but which will also ignite the passion.

Tickets are available online, from the hotline on +49‑241‑9171111 or directly from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.