FC Schalke 04 welcomed 16,000 fans to the arena at the S04 Christmas Singing. And there was a surprise guest.

FC Schalke 04 held its Christmas Singing on Sunday evening. 16,000 fans came to the arena to sing Christmas carols together and prepare for the festivities.

At first, however, the spectators, often dressed all in blue and white for Christmas, had to accept a disappointment. Vanessa Mai, who had been announced as the top act, had to cancel at short notice due to illness. “Dear Mai team, unfortunately I can’t be at Schalke tonight as planned,” the musician wrote on her Instagram account. “This morning I wanted to give it a try, but I can’t. I’m unfortunately completely flat due to illness.” She said she was already looking forward to next year.

However, the organisers found a replacement at short notice just a few hours later. Olaf Henning, a real Schake fan, stepped in. Henning received a correspondingly enthusiastic welcome from the spectators.

For two years, the S04 fans had to do without the Christmas caroling. It was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Corona pandemic. Now it’s time for a new edition in front of a festive backdrop in the Schalke Arena. However, there were significantly fewer spectators than last time. In 2019, there were 34,000 fans. This time, with 16,000 visitors, only just under half.

The event on the 3rd of Advent was not the only one of its kind in Gelsenkirchen. For next Sunday, the Supporters Club will be holding its Advent Singing at the Glückauf-Kampfbahn in the Schalke district. The event, orchestrated by the fans together with the church, is already taking place for the sixth time and is as good as booked up with 500 visitors. The Supportersclub is an interest group of S04 members founded in 1996. All proceeds from a small Christmas market set up at the “GAK” also go to charitable causes in Gelsenkirchen.