A foretaste of the 2006 FIFA World CupTM awaits anyone visiting the pedestrian zone on Gelsenkirchen's Bahnhofstrasse on Saturday, 27 August. The World Cup is, after all, not only a sporting occasion, but also a giant party for the city and its guests. On behalf of the city council the Gelsenkirchen-based agency emschertainment will be presenting a twelve-hour programme of entertainment on several open-air stages between 10 am and 10 pm. Topping the bill in the evening will be ex-Smokie singer Chris Norman on the main stage on Heinrich-König-Platz.

"Football will be the dominant theme between the main station and the Hans Sachs building", announced emschertainment general manager Dr Helmut Hasenkox on launching the event. Pedestrians on Bahnhofstrasse will come across a host of play activities and sports offerings. A number of artists will also be putting in an appearance, including the "Rio Samba Show", "Die Goldenen Reiter", cult Ruhr acts such as the groups "FKK" and "Magic Lauster", and the Blattschuss Brothers. Additional stages will be erected on the main station square and on Preuteplatz. The event will be compered by the comedian Till Hoheneder.

"We are tackling an ambitious training run ahead of this major football occasion", said mayor Frank Baranowski. The council, personalities from the world of culture, and Bahnhofstrasse traders are now practising a "one-two", so to speak. "100% Football Fever" will give local people a foretaste of the World Cup, with international elements to follow in the run-up to the opening kick-off.

A press pack on the artists appearing at "100% Football Fever" is available from the council press office. Further information can also be obtained from the agency managing the event (www.emschertainment.de).