Wacken Open Air Festival Postponed Again

The pandemic is winding down… but not fast enough: the organizers of the annual Wacken Open Air Festival have postponed this year’s event to the weekend of August 4, 2022.

The silver lining, such as it is, is that Wacken’s producers “are currently working with the authorities to explore an idea for a new event in September 2021, to help with the restart of live music.” So it sounds like there may be some kind of pared-down Wacken later in the year, perhaps akin to what the Download Festival is doing over in the UK.

Here’s the announcement:

“Dear Metalheads,

“We would like to thank you for your great patience during the last weeks and months.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have decided that Wacken Open Air cannot take place at the end of July this year. We therefore postpone the festival to 04.08. – 06.08.2022.

“This decision was anything but easy for us, also because we know that you are already in the middle of the preparations and planning. Like we are, too.

“We would like to take this opportunity to specifically thank the state of Schleswig-Holstein, the authorities and politicians for an extremely constructive and trusting cooperation. The step-by-step plan presented is an important sign that gives hope to many companies in our industry. And of course we want to thank you for your ongoing support.

“For Wacken Open Air, however, the planned openings unfortunately will not arrive in time and, as always, the safety and health of everyone involved in the festival – fans, crew, artists and all residents of Wacken and the region – has absolute priority.

“But at the same time we are sure of one thing: In August 2022 we will all make the Holy Ground shake again and enjoy our common passion together.

“Of course, you will be able to easily rebook your tickets for the coming year. This process will most likely be possible from the middle of June.

“We will inform you in due time about the options and procedures and kindly ask for your understanding that we will not be able to process any requests until then. But we promise you that we will respect your various wishes again.

“Additionally, we can now reveal that we are currently working with the authorities to explore an idea for a new event in September 2021, to help with the restart of live music. Keep your fingers crossed for both of us so that the development will continue to be positive – stay tuned for more information and further news!

“Thank you again for your patience, your loyalty and your support! More details on the different topics will follow as soon as possible.See you in Wacken

“Your W:O:A-Crew”