Barcode: A regulars' table for the 42 community

Heilbronn's nightlife is in need of improvement, says Marius. Clubs take money out of students' pockets at the door with entrance fees of a good 15 euros. Yet they mainly offer home cooking. New ideas? Not a chance. Reason enough for the 42-year-old student to take matters into his own hands.

Dancing among the vines

Marius has a particular soft spot for this. He has been organizing social gatherings since he joined 42. In August 2021, he and other 42ers will start the first vineyard raves just outside the city gates. Unlike in the clubs, house, funk and hardstyle will be blasting out of the speakers. One advantage of the location: between the vines, you're largely under the radar. After all, partying on your own initiative within the city doesn't always run smoothly. The police were called to a house party held by 42 students a year ago. The noise! The party is over, charges are filed - and Marius is fined. However, the incident ends lightly. Marius: “The 42 community stuck together and helped directly.” A fundraising campaign is launched and the costs are covered in no time at all.

“A safe space after coding”

Last August, Thomas Bornheim gets in touch. The Nosh't had a room there... Marius is clear: this is exactly the room to give the 42 regulars' table, which has been planned for some time, a home. Marius puts together a crew and the concept is quickly decided: once a month, always on Thursdays, 42 will meet here after coding. “A place for the community to play cards and chat,” says Marius. There's no alternative to the name Barcode, and it's all low budget. No entrance fee, the beer is 2 euros. Barcode keeps half of it, mainly to pay the very low rent of 150 euros. Marius: “We're really grateful to Christopher Bollmann for giving us the space.” The first barcode event will be launched at the end of 2022. Up to 60 people now come on good evenings, and events such as karaoke and quiz shows are a big draw. What will happen in the future? Marius: “We're thinking about opening up Barcode to more people.” Partners of 42, coders from other cities or TUM students are being discussed. The limited nightlife in Heilbronn alone should ensure demand!