Cologne Carnival
Carnival security in Cologne
For carnival societies, clubs, organisers and venues: entry control and in-hall security at carnival sessions (gala shows), security for marquees and parties, and escorts for artists, the Dreigestirn (Cologne's carnival trio) and the prince and princess. From the season opening to Ash Wednesday.
At a glance
Carnival security in brief
- What does DERLO cover during carnival?
- Entry and age checks, in-hall security, security in marquees and at parties, securing the stage and backstage, and escorts for artists, the Dreigestirn and the prince and princess during appearances and venue changes.
- Who is it for?
- For carnival societies and clubs, organisers of carnival sessions, balls and parties, operators of marquees and venues, and companies holding their own carnival party.
- When should I enquire?
- As early as possible before the season starts, because the big dates fall on the same days for every organiser. Short-notice enquiries are possible, depending on availability.
- What does it cost?
- That depends on the number and length of the events, the number of security personnel and their tasks. For several dates in one season, you receive a single combined quote.
- Who is responsible?
- Marc Derlich, owner of DERLO Consulting & Protection, plans the assignments and is your contact for the whole season. Additional security personnel join on a project basis from his network. DERLO holds a licence for security services under section 34a of the German Trade Regulation Act (§ 34a GewO).
- Where?
- Cologne, the Rhein-Erft district around DERLO's base in Frechen, Düsseldorf, Bonn and the rest of the Rhineland.
Carnival season 2026/27
Key dates of the season
The most important days of the season. Demand for security staff peaks on these dates, so make your enquiry in good time.
11.11.2026
Season opening
Start of the carnival season and the first events.
04.02.2027
Weiberfastnacht
Women's Carnival Day: street carnival and many events.
08.02.2027
Rose Monday
Carnival parades, events and coordinated escorts.
Events
From the carnival session to the parade
- Carnival sessions and balls
- Marquees and indoor parties
- Street carnival and public squares
- Carnival parades and Veedelszöch (neighbourhood parades)
- After-parade parties
- Club and society events
- Appearances by the Dreigestirn and the prince and princess
- Company carnival parties
Services
What carnival security covers
Every event gets the services it actually needs.
- 01
Entry and age checks
Ticket, guest list, bag and age checks as specified by the organiser and in line with German youth protection law.
- 02
Security in the hall
A presence in the aisles, at exits and at cloakrooms; friendly to the revellers, alert to changes.
- 03
Marquees and parties
Patrols inside the marquee and an eye on pinch points, the bar and the exits, especially late at night.
- 04
Parades and street carnival
Support for clubs and organisers at the assembly area, along the route and on event sites.
- 05
Dreigestirn, prince and princess, artists
Escorts during appearances and venue changes: from the vehicle through the hall onto the stage and back.
- 06
Stage and backstage
Access for authorised people only, so that artists, dance troupes and technical crew can work undisturbed.
- 07
De-escalation
Spotting conflicts early and resolving them calmly, so that the atmosphere stays the way it should be.
- 08
Security concept
Planning for entry, routes and staffing wherever the authorities or the venue require it. More on security concepts for events.
Venue changes
Session, hall, next hall. Every route planned.
On carnival evenings, one appearance follows the next. To make sure artists, the Dreigestirn and the prince and princess arrive on time and relaxed, we know the routes, access points and contacts at every hall in advance.
Area of operation
Carnival in Cologne and the Rhineland
Cologne
Carnival sessions, balls, parties and parades in the city centre and in the Veedel (neighbourhoods).
Frechen and the Rhein-Erft district
Club events, marquees and parades around DERLO's base. More on event security in Frechen and the Rhein-Erft district.
Düsseldorf and Bonn
Carnival sessions, balls and events in the other carnival strongholds on the Rhine.
Accountability
One contact for the whole season.
Marc Derlich plans the carnival assignments himself. He coordinates them with the presidents and Literaten (programme organisers) of the carnival societies, with organisers and with venues, and is personally on site at most of them. For several dates on the same day, he puts the teams together on a project basis from his network.
- Certified security and protection specialist (Fachkraft für Schutz und Sicherheit, trained 2017 to 2020)
- Close protection training in Germany and abroad
- Active in close protection since 2020, in the security sector since 2016
- CQB courses, close protection medic training, driver safety training
- International operational experience, including in crisis regions
- Evacuation from crisis regions
- Preparation for travel abroad
- Licensed under section 34a of the German Trade Regulation Act (§ 34a GewO), based in Frechen near Cologne
More services
Pairs well with carnival security
Event security
Security for events beyond the carnival season.
Security concepts
Planning for entry, routes and staffing.
Artist & VIP protection
For artists, bands and speakers.
VIP chauffeur service
Transfers between halls and appearances.
Frechen & Rhein-Erft district
Event security right where we are based.
Event organisers & agencies
Artists, VIP guests and backstage.
Frequently asked questions about carnival security
When should I request security for the carnival season?
As early as possible, ideally before the season starts. On days such as Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival Day) or Rose Monday, many organisers enquire at the same time. Short-notice enquiries are possible, depending on availability.
Does DERLO carry out age and bag checks?
Yes. Entry, bag and age checks are carried out as specified by the organiser and in line with German youth protection law, and are agreed with you in advance.
Does DERLO escort artists, the Dreigestirn and the prince and princess between venues?
Yes. The escort covers arrival, the route through the hall, the stage and departure; access routes and contacts at each hall are clarified in advance. A security driver is available on request.
Does my carnival event need a security concept?
That is up to the relevant authority or the venue. A security concept is often required for larger events, marquees and events in public spaces. More on security concepts for events.
How many security staff does a carnival session need?
That depends on the size of the hall, the number of guests, the entrances and exits, the schedule and any conditions imposed. A reliable figure is only possible once we have looked at the venue and the programme; it is part of the quote.
How much does carnival security cost?
The price depends on the number and length of the events, the number of security personnel and their tasks. For several dates in one season, you receive a single combined quote.
Is DERLO licensed to provide security services?
DERLO Consulting & Protection holds a licence for security services under section 34a of the German Trade Regulation Act (Gewerbeordnung). Marc Derlich is a certified security and protection specialist (Fachkraft für Schutz und Sicherheit).
Request security for your season
Briefly tell us the dates, halls and type of events. Marc Derlich will get back to you personally and plan the season with you.