2023-08-02 06:40:00
At 11 a.m. the local fire brigade band wants to kick things off, and later metal queen Doro Pesch will be on stage. But before the festival started, a few things were still unclear – for example the question of how many of the expected 85,000 metal fans would actually be partying on Wacken’s fields.
Early on Wednesday morning, the festival announced via Instagram that the “reasonable visitor capacity” had been reached given the weather conditions. “Any further travel must be stopped and canceled with immediate effect.” This decision was made for the first time in the history of the festival. “We are very sad, but unfortunately the difficult weather situation leaves us no other choice,” it said. Fans reacted indignantly and criticized “underground communication”. Many had waited for hours in front of the site.
Photo gallery: Festival chaos: Wacken sinks into mud
Mud chaos at the Wacken Festival (Photo: AXEL HEIMKEN (AFP)) Bild 1/31
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“Safety is the top priority”
On Tuesday evening, festival co-founder Thomas Jensen told the German Press Agency: “I hope we have half of it or more.” Safety is the top priority for the organizers. The conditions around the tranquil place and the announcements that fans with cars would no longer be allowed onto the sodden areas had already caused displeasure among some of the visitors.
The organizers had justified the step with the heavy rain before the start of the festival. As a result, camping and event areas as well as paths are in poor condition. However, attempts are being made to bring vehicles that are already in the immediate vicinity of the festival site there.
Image: AXEL HEIMKEN (AFP)
Late Motörhead frontman honored
On the first day of the festival, part of the ashes of the deceased frontman Lemmy Kilmister from the rock band Motörhead will find a resting place in Wacken. The musician, who died in 2015, is to be “honoured with an unforgettable act,” as the organizers announced. Motörhead members Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee are set to attend the celebrations. For the first time, the festival will last four days this summer. During this time, more than 200 concerts are planned on nine stages – including by Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Helloween.
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