Aachen offered a low-sensory fun fair to residents and guests

For a period of three hours, it featured no loud noises nor rapid flashing lights

For the second time in a row this year, the City of Aachen organized its traditional Öcher Bend fun fair in a way that has been described as ‘low sensory’. More specifically, this means that for three hours yesterday, the fair had no loud noises and beats, nor colourful bright flashing lights. The purpose of this was so that people living with a variety of mental well-being disabilities, such as anxiety, could also enjoy the event.

Fun fairs are popular urban events in Germany and the Low Countries, which have ancient and well-recorded histories. They offer a carnivalesque atmosphere complete with a variety of rides, games, music and greasy food. In a way, making as much noise and visual effects as possible is what makes a fun fair so notable and fun.

However, not everyone finds that entertaining or even appealing. The noisy, busy and colourful atmosphere can be a burden to many people suffering from things like anxiety, stress, and PTSD, among other things.

Accessibility for everyone’s mental well-being

That’s why it was decided to experiment with the idea of making a small part of the fair quieter and more chilled so that other people could also come and spend time there.

The idea for ‘low-sensory fairs’ originated in neighbouring Netherlands and this year was the second time that Aachen tried it out citing warm reception by the public during the Easter edition.

There was one organization mishap at yesterday’s ‘low-sensory fair’ though. More specifically, its timing.

The low-volume part of the fair took part between 2 PM and 5 PM, which also happened to be the hottest part of the day. That’s why, the organizers decided to close the event earlier yesterday, at 4:30 PM since the heat is also a stress-inducing stimulus.

Nevertheless, they were delighted by the number of visitors who showed up despite the temperatures so it was decided that the ‘low-sensory’ part will return next Easter again.