Force of nature
Storms expected – will festivals be cancelled?
Flooding and muddy ground on the grounds of the festival without bands in Dürmentingen-Hailtingen. Photo
© -/Urbaniak/Southwest German Media Network/dpa
The weather – so far it has not lived up to the summer fairytale expectations that were expected during the European Football Championship. Now the outlook for the festivals this weekend is also rather gloomy.
The popular festivals “Hurricane” in Lower Saxony and “Southside” in Baden-Württemberg are among those scheduled to officially start today. The music festival Fête de la Musique is also scheduled to be celebrated across Germany today.
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), severe storms with heavy rain, large hailstones and severe gale or hurricane gusts are to be expected today, particularly in southern and eastern Germany. However, there may also be strong thunderstorms and gusts in the west and north of the country.
The forecasts come at a bad time when it comes to traveling to the numerous open-air festivals. Around 65,000 music fans are expected at the “Southside” festival. The cult bands The Offspring, Feine Sahne Fischfilet and Deichkind are among those scheduled to perform at the former military airfield in Neuhausen ob Eck.
According to the organizer FKP Scorpio, more than 80 national and international artists and bands are expected by Sunday – including Ed Sheeran, Avril Lavigne and Ayliva. Although no storms are expected here according to the DWD, visitors should still pack rubber boots. The German Weather Service is predicting rain for today and tomorrow. According to meteorologists, music fans can look forward to sunshine for the festival finale next Sunday.
Tens of thousands of music fans traveled to the “Hurricane” festival in Scheeßel in Lower Saxony yesterday for the same musicians; a good 70,000 visitors are expected. Bands performed yesterday – in sunny weather. But the DWD is expecting storms here today too.
In Saxony-Anhalt, which could be particularly affected by the storms, the “Full Force” festival starts today in Gräfenhainichen (Wittenberg district). Music fans here can look forward to the British metalcore band Architects and the German rapper Alligatoah, among others. And there could also be heavy showers and thunderstorms in Rostock. Singer and guitarist Peter Maffay will start his farewell tour there on Friday evening in the Ostseestadion under the title “We love Rock ‘n’ Roll”. He will be accompanied by US singer Anastacia.
The Fête de la Musique music festival is also entering its next round across Germany. According to the website, it will take place in 140 German locations. According to a spokesperson, in Berlin alone, artists will be showing off their skills between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. at almost 250 locations in the city. Jazz, pop and classical concerts are planned. Depending on the weather, some performances in the capital could also be canceled – as storms are also expected there.