Wacken Open Air 2008 – "Thank You For Your Unbelievable Support!"
The organizers of the 2008 edition of the Wacken Open Air, which took place this weekend (July 31st - August 2nd) have issued the following update:
"Dear Metalheads!
The 19th W:O:A is over and part of our history and four key aspects will stay in our memories
-- the best audience in the world
-- amazing bands with awesome performances
-- the sun likes W:O:A
-- it´s possible to happen without traffic jams!
We´d like to thank you for your unbelievable support, because without you we wouldn´t be what we are: The biggest Heavy Metal Festival in the world! (as commented by Bruce Dickinson!)
Our considerable building measures such as the renewal and fixation of the bus stop, security on the festival site, removal of the small walkway to the Party Stage, more entrances, larger beer garden, new stage in the beer garden, bigger Party Stage, viewing stands for the disabled, more supermarkets and food stores on the camping ground, 3 extra video walls, improved signposting, more relay towers, a centred FOH tower for a better view to the stages and much more - all of which were succesful.
Furthermore we’d like to reassure our fans about the scare that Wacken is becoming bigger….it isn’t, since otherwise it wouldn’t have already been sold out in March!
In 2007 we had 72,500 guests and in 2008 we had 75,000 guests, which includes artists, helpers from all departements, media, the so-called VIPs, villagers (who have free entrance), rescue and security personnel etc. and the paying fans!
The only chink from our point of view was the situation at Entrance Point 1. All the fans poured into Entrance 1 without realising that Entrances 2 + 3 and that of the Party Stage were completely free. That is why there was such long waiting times and in the end led to the closure of Entrance 1, so that the other entrances were used. Unfortunately this only ran smoothly from Friday on since we were then able to communicate via the loud speakers. Next year a traffic light system will be installed – since we do have the space – although it will still be cramped when everyone is trying to get to straight way to the stage!
!!!!!!! Please notice: We ask for your constructive criticism, ideas for improvement and helpful suggestions in our forum. We will then evaluate and publicise them and include them in our future planning. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In advance we’d like to say a big Thank You!!! to all the people from the Wacken, Gribbohm, Holstenniendorf, Besdorf, Bokelrehm, Bokhorst and Nienbüttel communities, who accept us and the metalfans with their unique and brilliant hospitality, and welcomed our incursion of their communities! We´re very thankful about your support and identification with your / our festival!
Further gleanings about W:O:A 2008 will follow.
The festival is the headliner and the bands play their best-of program. We´re looking forward to next year when it´s for the 20th time:
Faster - Harder - Louder... see you in Wacken 2009 - rain or shine...
Thank you Metalheads for your support !!!"
Your W:O:A Team
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