Image: wacken.com
The internationally famous Wacken Open Air has always been known for the fact that it can get very muddy. When it's sunny there's dust on the field, when it's raining there's mud. But there has never been such a situation as at Wacken 2023: a travel stop for the metalheads. You can find all the latest info here.
This year's festival is planned for August 2 - 5 and should thus start today. The preparations in Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein, have been in full gear for the last few weeks. And especially in the past few days, the staff there has been working like crazy to make it possible for as many visitors as possible to get to the camping areas. The continuous rainfall of the last few days has once again turned the fields of Wacken into mud. This time, however, it unfortunately does not just cause a boisterous mud fight. The majority of the campsites are no longer accessible for people to camp on, let alone drive on.
Travel Stop Wacken 2023
Since yesterday, August 1, a Travel Stop has been posted several times on social media as well as on the official website. All visitors on their way to Wacken were supposed to stop their journey and hold out to wait for further information. Those who were not yet on their way to the festival were asked not to make the journey. Those who were already on site moved closer together to make more room for other visitors. Many vehicles could only be accommodated in the camping areas with a lot of help, pushing and pulling.
By now it is unfortunately certain: No more visitors can be accepted on the campsites. New information is currently always posted on the official website of Wacken as well as on Instagram, Facebook and other platforms.
Arrival Stop: Latest Information From August 2, 2023
The co-founder Thomas Jensen has just recently shared a new video message with all Wacken fans. The Travel Stop from before has now turned into an Arrival Stop. Below we have linked the video. Here you can find the most important information in advance at one glance.
According to current information:
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The camping areas are closed and no more festival visitors will be accepted
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The festival will still take place as planned for those who are already on site
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There is a new Q&A (questions and answers) on wacken.com, which will be regularly updated with new information
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As much festival content as possible will be streamed via Magenta TV
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Up-to-date information can always be found in the News category on wacken.com, as well as on the festival's social media channels
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Currently there is no information about the validity of the tickets for the W:O:A 2023, but a solution is being worked on
Big thanks to the festival crew of Wacken, specifically the Wacken Mud Fighters for their efforts. We sympathize with all Wacken fans who now unfortunately have to make their way back and wish everyone a safe journey!
Lineup and Running Order
The current state of affairs is that the festival program will continue to take place despite the weather situation. Already tonight Doro is to perform on the Louder Stage with her "40th Anniversary Show". On Thursday, highlights like Kreator and Amorphis are on the program and those who are really in a party mood can head to the Exclusive DJ Set by Electric Callboy at the Krombacher Stammtisch! Friday brings the biggest headliner: Iron Maiden will play on the Harder Stage in the evening. This will be followed first by Nordic sounds of Wardruna and then, already after midnight, by this year's ESC representatives of Germany, Lord of the Lost. Harder music comes on Saturday evening with Heaven Shall Burn and Beartooth, the latter with a freshly announced new album. But whether everything will ultimately go according to plan, of course, remains to be seen for the time being. We keep our fingers crossed!
Shop WOA Lineup Merch At Impericon
If you spend the weekend on the comfortable (and dry) couch and watch the festival on stream, then check out our WOA Lineup Merch. Here you'll find the right outfit to celebrate your favorite bands from home. And if you're looking for more festival spirit, browse through our camping products and beverages!
