Osnabrück and Derby celebrate 50 years of twin-city friendship in 2026
Osnabrück and Derby are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their twin-city partnership with great joy.
The location where the partnership agreement was signed on February 17, 1976, is itself symbolic of the value of this bond. The historic Peace Hall in Osnabrück's Town Hall stands like no other place for understanding and reconciliation. The partnership brought to life an idea that had emerged many years earlier: as early as 1948, just three years after the end of World War II, Osnabrück's city leadership reached out to British authorities. Their goal was to build bridges and establish a partnership with an English city—a plan that failed at the time but was revived in 1972. Four years later, the partnership agreement with Derby was finally signed.
Much has happened since then. Above all, the countless exchanges between young people, as well as collaborations in business and culture, have left a lasting mark on the partnership. Exchange programs, joint projects, and personal visits have built bridges and fostered friendships across borders. The tradition of city ambassador exchanges, which began in Osnabrück in 1965 with its twin towns of Haarlem and Angers, was also continued with Derby.
In a video message, Lord Mayor Katharina Pötter congratulated Derby and expressed her gratitude for the city's trust and decades of cooperation.
The anniversary celebrations will take place as part of the Maiwoche festival and Derby Day.
For Derby, however, this milestone is not the only reason to celebrate: in addition to marking 50 years of partnership, the city is also commemorating 50 years of its municipal charter this year.
More information about Derby can be found on the Twin Cities page.
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