The weekend was thoroughly Hanseatic: not only did the event coincide with the Day of the Hansa on 17 May. The programme also included a guided tour of the city, which explored the importance of Stade in the context of the Hanseatic League from its entry to its ‘Verhansung’, as well as a sailing trip on the ‘EWA Frieda’ on the Elbe. The highlight of the programme was the Hanse Song Festival on Saturday evening: Newcomer singers performed at several venues throughout the evening.