Germany’s Wacken Fest Preparing For Bad Weather

In a first step, the site’s infield and center have been straightened out. Those areas used to resemble a “moonscape,” where water could gather in trenches.

Phase two saw the extension of the drainage system. For this the builders laid out a canal with deep blind drains, where water can quickly seep away. In the unlikely scenario of these ditches being overfilled, a backup system of drains is in place.

The third phase will see the planting of a field. “Experience has shown that normal grass cannot stand the requirements of a festival in the long term.

Therefore the decision was made to plant clover and mustard seed next to field grass. The deep roots of the mustard plants ensure a well-aerated soil and break down soil compaction – and it works as a natural drainage.

Other areas of the infield, however, were no longer planted, but fixed with gravel to secure the festival ground and the channels of supply,” the organizers explain. The whole system is accessible through shafts, which will ensure it can be maintained. Wacken 2017 will take place Aug. 3-5.

Promoter ICS also returns with the second edition of Full Metal Mountain Mar. 27-Apr. 2, and premieres Wacken Winter Nights, Feb. 10-12.