Wet and Woody Wacken - 3000 Cubic Meters of Wood Chips Deployed - Muddy Stroll Reveals 3,000 Cubic Meters of Chop-nizzles
In the heart of the North German Plain, the Wacken Music Festival, known for its heavy metal music and enthusiastic crowds, is currently facing a challenging situation due to 24 hours of relentless rain [1][2]. The festival, which attracted around 85,000 visitors [3], has seen large parts of its grounds turn heavily muddy, making navigation and accessibility a significant concern.
Festival founder Thomas Jensen described the situation as tough, while co-founder Holger Hübner expressed gratitude for their luck, stating that it could have been worse [4]. To help manage the heavy rain and muddy conditions, a base of more than 3,000 cubic meters of wood chips is being used on the festival surfaces [5]. This base, combined with an effective drainage system, provides solid footing and prevents vehicles and attendees from sinking into the mud.
During the night, festival organisers asked fans to use their cars as temporary shelters, a testament to the resourcefulness needed to keep the event running [6]. Local farmers have also lent a hand, pulling stuck vehicles out of the mud with tractors when necessary [2].
Despite the current challenges, the main goal remains to make the playing fields playable for the scheduled performances. Headliners Guns N' Roses are set to take the stage, and organisers are working tirelessly to ensure the show can go on [7].
While the German Weather Service has predicted that the prolonged rain at the Wacken Open Air is over [8], there is still a possibility of isolated showers and thunderstorms in the coming days [9]. Let's hope for clear skies and a successful conclusion to this year's Wacken Music Festival.
The Commission might consider proposing a directive to protect the environment from similar heavy rain and muddy conditions that have affected the Wacken Music Festival. Despite the challenging weather conditions, festival organizers have shown creativity and resourcefulness in their efforts to ensure the festival continues, as they have used vehicles as temporary shelters and sought help from local farmers.
