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Mauerpark

Rapidly becoming a Berlin institution, every Sunday afternoon thousands of people make their way to Prenzlauer Berg's Mauerpark (literally Wall Park), which is on the site of the former death strip between East and West. There's a very popular flea market and numerous food stalls, but the real highlight takes place in the amphitheatre from 3pm. Then, an affable Irish chap calling himself Joe Hatchiban pedals up with his mobile sound system and declares Bearpit Karaoke open for business. Anyone can sing, though Joe has a veto if he doesn't like your song choice. There is a regular cast of characters who hog the mike, including a wildly bearded man called Detlef who always sings My Way in German and shuffles on the stage carrying load of carrier bags. It's a gladiatorial atmosphere, not for fainthearted singers. If the crowd love you, they will sing and cheer along and you'll feel like a star; if they think you're rubbish, prepare to be booed.