Backpack Bans At Concerts

ICS’s Wacken Open Air won’t allow backpacks on site during its upcoming edition, Aug. 4-8, in the light of recent terrorist attacks that hit Germany.

Photo: Alex Heimken / dpa via AP, file

Campers at Germany’s Wacken Open Air festival are going to have some logistical challenges after organizers announced all backpacks and bags would be banned from the event area due to security concerns.

“Dear Metalheads, in the light of current events, the festival operators and the safety authorities have decided to ban all backpacks and bags from the event area, due to security concerns,” event manager Thomas Hess wrote in a statement. Belt bags and the foldable water bottle, which is included in the Full Metal Bags issued when at the wristband counter, are still permitted.

“We trust in your understanding. This measure serves the general security,” the statement continues.

Security at concerts in Germany was increased as well. When Manfred Hertlein concert agency and Global Concerts brought Austrian superstar Andreas Gabalier to Munich on July 30 for a record concert in the Olympiastadion (71,000 attendance), backpacks were banned too.

This policy will continue when Olympiastadionvisits Munich on Aug. 7, and the same holds true for her gig two days later in Vienna’s Stadthalle, where big bags and backpacks will be banned. Only small bags and purses are permitted. Promoter Live Nation had announced in a statement that fans should prepare for longer waits and more thorough searches at the entrance, and recommended that they forgo anything unnecessary.