Image: Zach Reiner on Unsplash
Summer festivals are really mostly associated with sunshine, cold beer and a good time, right? Well, maybe not all festivals. There are some that have been thwarted by the weather on more than one occasion. Where there were the deepest puddles in the festival history so far, you will find out in this article!
If you've ever been caught in a downpour at a concert, you know that even that can't spoil the atmosphere at your favorite band's show. You just get out the poncho and headbang with wet hair! Today we've picked out five big festivals for you that have really gone down in the mud before (some more than once). Maybe you've even been to one yourself!
1. Wacken 2023
Due to the circumstances, Wacken Open Air 2023 makes it to the top of our list right away. The festival takes place annually on the fields of the village Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein and has actually already survived many rain falls. The loyal festival visitors are used to deep mud and plenty of it, because that simply cannot be avoided on the fields. But the cheerful atmosphere is always maintained: People simply take a mud bath instead of a sun bath.
But this year there have been days of persistent rain during the arrival time. This led to the fact that the campsites are no longer occupiable for the most part. Numerous metalheads had to leave with a heavy heart, because after a hard fight with the mud, at some point it was clear: No more people and vehicles can be allowed on site. It is the first time in the history of the internationally famous metal festival that such measures had to be taken. We hope for more luck with the weather in the next years!
2. Woodstock 1969
The Woodstock Festival of 1969 is one of the most legendary festivals ever. If you leave aside later attempts to revive the festival, you mainly remember sunshine, peaceful hippie vibes, and folk music. But there was not only sunshine, but also rain, even if only for about an hour. During a live performance, the ground under the audience got pretty muddy - but people kept dancing and celebrating the music. True to the Woodstock motto "3 Days of Peace & Music".
3. Coachella 2012
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has been held in California every year since 1999. In the west of the USA it is rather unusual that there is rain, let alone mud, at summer festivals. But in 2012, even there, people could happily dance in the mud as if it were nothing new for the audience. Maybe even a welcome change and refreshment in the Coachella Valley!
4. Download 2016
In 2016, the mosh pits of the Download Festival in England turned into real mudpits. It's one of the biggest metal festivals in the world and attracts up to 120,000 visitors every year. And these visitors didn't let the weather get them down either: They continued to headbang and party. You can still have a lot of fun in the mud!
5. Rock am Ring 2016
In the same year, the Rock am Ring festival at the Nürburgring had to be canceled as early as Saturday. A thunderstorm came up and soaked many festival goers even in their tents. It was not only very muddy on the festival grounds, but also quite dangerous at times due to the lightning. Initially, the program of Rock am Ring was paused and the weather situation observed. Eventually, the organizers had their permit for the remaining days withdrawn, to ensure the safety of everyone involved. For an insight into the muddy events, check out the video linked here:
Shop WOA Lineup Merch At Impericon
Despite the current weather situation, there is still an opportunity to make the best of it. The best thing to do is to turn on your favorite record at home, stay dry and browse our WOA Lineup Merch right away, because there's currently 15% off all products! You can find the coupon code at our homepage. To raise the mood a bit more, it's also worth taking a look at our beverages. And so that you are well prepared for the next festival in the rain, we of course have the appropriate festival shoes and camping items ready.
