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Wacken Open Air: These metal fans have made it to the festival grounds

Photo: Axel Heimken / AFP

Because of the heavy rain, no more fans can go to the grounds of the heavy metal festival in Wacken. Shortly before the start, the festival in Schleswig-Holstein announced early Wednesday morning on Instagram, among other things, that the "reasonable number of visitors" had been reached in view of the weather. Any further journey must be stopped and cancelled with immediate effect.«

For the first time in the history of the festival, this decision was made. "We are very sad, but unfortunately the persistently difficult weather conditions leave us no other choice," it continued. Fans reacted indignantly and criticized an "underground communication". Some had waited for hours in front of the site.

According to Camper-Park Wacken, visitors who have booked a container, a hut or a tent in special areas - called Moshtel and Iceland - are allowed to continue traveling. It is also possible to travel there by car.

"I hope we have half of it inside or even more"

The festival is scheduled to start on Wednesday morning. At 11 a.m., the local fire brigade band will kick things off, and later metal queen Doro Pesch, among others, will be on stage. But before the start of the festival, some things are still unclear – such as the question of how many of the originally expected 85,000 metal fans will actually celebrate on Wacken's fields.

On Tuesday evening, festival co-founder Thomas Jensen told the dpa news agency: "I hope we have half of it inside or even more." Safety is the top priority for the organizers.

The conditions around the tranquil place and the announcements that no more fans with cars would be allowed on the soggy areas had already caused displeasure among some of the visitors on Tuesday.

The organizers had justified the step with the heavy rain before the start of the festival. As a result, camping and event areas as well as paths are in poor condition. However, attempts are being made to bring vehicles that are already in the immediate vicinity of the festival site there.

On the first day of the festival, part of the ashes of the late frontman Lemmy Kilmister of the rock band Motörhead will find a resting place in Wacken. The musician, who died in 2015, is to be "honored with an unforgettable act," as the organizers announced. Motörhead members Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee are expected to accompany the festivities.

The festival is scheduled to last four days this summer. During this time, more than 200 concerts are planned on nine stages – including those by Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Helloween.

wit/kko/dpa