Tens of thousands of metal fans head home from Wacken after the mud-covered heavy metal festival. 61,000 visitors had celebrated in Schleswig-Holstein since Wednesday. Due to a lot of rain in the run-up, there was chaos at the start of the festival due to mud. Many vehicles had to be towed to the campsites by tractors.
As the festival progressed, the weather improved and many areas of mud dried up. This made the ground better. For the departure, however, the fans are again supported by tractors. According to the organizers, almost 70 tractor drivers are working in shifts. “They mill away the ruts so that everything dries again,” said Jan Struve from the event team.
Organizers speak of millions lost
The mud has drastic economic consequences for the festival organizers. Because of the lower number of visitors, they say they are missing out on income of several million euros. 23,500 of the expected 85,000 fans were ultimately absent after an admission stop. They should get their 299 euros for the ticket refunded. “It’s a third of our revenue,” said festival co-founder Thomas Jensen. It’s not that difficult to calculate mathematically. “23,500 times 299, and then you get pretty close somewhere.” According to Jensen’s bill, income of more than seven million euros is missing.
“Despite a bad start, we managed to get in a good mood,” said Jensen. The metal scene is still starving after the pandemic. He is optimistic about the future. “The ticket price is the least evil.” Co-founder Holger Hübner made a similar statement. The economic questions will be discussed after the end of the festival from Monday. “It’s not about money here. Then you wouldn’t have done it anyway.”
Police: “The safest Wacken Open Air”
There was positive news from the police and rescue services. “That was by far the safest Wacken Open Air – also in relation to the somewhat reduced number of participants, it somehow welded us together,” said Chief Police Director Frank Matthiesen. Officials registered very few crimes. “Nothing serious happened here,” said the leader of the rescue team, Volker Böhm. Paramedics would have provided 2,500 services and brought 120 visitors to hospitals. Most of these are already back at the festival.
The police appealed to the visitors that they should only be sober on the return journey and not under the influence of narcotics. On the day of departure, the police want to carry out priority traffic checks. Vehicles should be cleared of the coarsest mud and dirt beforehand in order to prevent dirt on the road and damage to your own car.
The 33rd Metal Festival in Wacken (July 31 to August 3, 2024) is already casting its shadow. On Saturday evening, the organizers announced the first 33 bands as part of a show accompanied by a drone installation. The Scorpions then play as one of the headliners. The German rock band also played in Wacken in 2012. Amon Amarth, In Extremo, Blind Guardian and Knorkator have also been announced.
