Thousands celebrate coronavirus ‘Freedom Dinner’ on former Berlin airport runway

Berlin’s Mayor Michael Mueller said Berlin wanted to use the event to send the signal ‘Berlin is back!’ after many months of the coronavirus pandemic

The tables at Tegel Airport had been set up in such a way that, when viewed from the air, they displayed the words ‘Berlin loves you’ and a large heart

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People take part in an open-air Freedom Dinner organised by Berlin’s Senate on the runway of the former Tegel Airport in Berlin, Germany on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 3:38am, 8 Aug 2021Updated: 4:10am, 8 Aug 2021

Around 3,000 people gathered in Berlin on Saturday for a large picnic in an unusual location when they took their seats at tables on a runway of the former Tegel Airport.

The tables had been set up in such a way that, when viewed from the air, they displayed the words “Berlin loves you” and a large heart.

Food and drink were provided by the guests themselves, but according to the organisers, there was also “a little free catering” on offer. Various artists provided a colourful cultural and musical programme.

An aerial view of the former Tegel airport shows tables set for Berlin’s Freedom day dinner on Saturday. Photo: AFP

The event was called “Freedom Dinner” by the Senate and the city’s tourism officials.

Berlin’s governing Mayor Michael Mueller had explained in the run-up to the event that Berlin wanted to use it to send the signal “Berlin is back!” after many months of the coronavirus pandemic.