Sunday, the "bad guys" come to Basel

At the Sandgrube School in Kleinbasel, a large arena is being built to accommodate more than 3,000 people. From Sunday morning, there will be no more room. Because in the arena, spectators will be curious to see what "villain" wins the winner of the 2018 Nordwestschweizer Schwingfest.

The "Schwingfest" is a festival of sub-associations in the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Aargau and Solothurn, which stands above the cantonal festival of Basel. Schwinger associations in northwestern Switzerland confronts Schwinger from all over Switzerland. Among them are also great as the Orlik brothers.

"It will be the biggest swing festival ever to be held in Basel," President Rolf Klarer on the one hand said with pride but also with sadness. "The specifications we received from the association are very extensive. Today, such a swing festival must be a huge event. In the past, the audience was satisfied with a sausage grilled, a piece of bread and a cold beer. Today, unfortunately, it is a little different.

The sport of swing has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. "Today, swing is a top sport," says Klarer. Above all, television has contributed to this change. "The images and background information provided by television in such a festival are incredible." On Sundays, on the Nordwestschweizer Schwingfest sand stand, Swiss television will be on site. "Logistically, it's a huge challenge, especially here in the city". Even with seven OB vans, television is broadcasting

and despite the enormous popularity that Schwingsport enjoys today in Switzerland, it has not been easy for organizers of the Schwingfest Nordwestschweizer from Basel to find sponsors and assistants. The Baselstädtische Schwingverband receives support from gymnastic clubs, cliques and Guggen

The event, which takes place regularly in the cantons of Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Solothurn and Aargau, returns to Basel for the first time in 16 years. Around 130 Schwinger are fighting in sawdust for the trophy of the animal winners, Muni Basileo. Including a Basel, the only 17-year-old Florian Nyffenegger from Riehen. They all want to inherit the winner of last year 's party in Therwil. A year ago, the Swiss Martin Hersche imposed surprisingly on the last lap.

Organizers expect around 5,000 visitors from across Switzerland on Sunday, weather permitting. And since swingers and swing fans are early risers, the first gears start at 8:30. The winner of the festival will be announced at 16:30 in the final round.

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