Schueberfouer has stepped up security measures

The Schueberfouer fair, the largest annual event in Luxembourg, has traditionally drawn large crowds to the Glacis square. This year, the organisers are expecting around two million visitors, which means that security issues come to the fore.

Laurent Schwaller, the organiser of the event, emphasises that some of the measures are visible - concrete blocks, fences, patrols - but many more remain behind the scenes. According to him, the most effective defence is the one that is not conspicuous. Detailed emergency plans are already in place to ensure a quick and co-ordinated response to any incidents.

At the request of the mayor's office, a private security company has been engaged. Their employees monitor access to the rides and accommodation vans, help control traffic near the tram tracks and patrol the fairgrounds itself. In addition, security is reinforced by the police, the CGDIS fire and rescue service and a 24-hour uniformed presence, which, according to Alderman Patrick Goldschmidt, who is responsible for festivals and markets, gives people a sense of confidence and peace of mind.

The main threat remains the same - pickpockets - so guests are reminded to keep an eye on their personal belongings. Fights and conflicts, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly rare. Schwaller attributes this to the noticeable increase in police presence, with officers patrolling all day and especially in the evening hours to ensure that the events end safely.

Businesses also contribute: many bars and pavilions hire their own security guards for evening shifts. There is a fixed police post at the main entrance to Glasis, and patrols regularly patrol the area.