Wacken 2021
Why Thomas Jensen is not writing off the festival yet
Thomas Jensen explains that the situation is still very dynamic.
© ICS Festival Service GmbH
Wacken boss Thomas Jensen wants to welcome metalheads from all over the world to Schleswig-Holstein again at the end of July. So it is with planning.
While other festivals have already thrown in the towel this year, Wacken Open Air, which is already sold out, is sticking to its date for 2021 (July 29th to 31st). In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Thomas Jensen, co-founder of the festival, explains why he is still hopeful, how far the organizers are with their planning and what safeguards ticket owners have in the event of a renewed cancellation.
Mr Jensen, in contrast to other festivals, you are sticking to Wacken.
Thomas Jensen: Since the late event time on the last weekend in July gives us time to continue monitoring the development of the situation, we are now planning a festival for which our declared wish is to welcome our fans from all over the world back to Wacken allowed to.
How far has the planning progressed at the moment?
Jensen: We are in the planning as far as we have to be at this point in time under the given circumstances to be able to hold the end of July.
The festival is sold out. What protection do ticket owners have in the event of a renewed cancellation?
Jensen: Should there be another postponement of the W: O: A, we will offer the fans a variety of options, as we did last year, on how to deal with their cards. Should this situation arise, we would of course be very happy if the absolute majority of metalheads would keep their ticket again, if they can. This not only helps us financially, but is also an emotional anchor.
What security precautions regarding the coronavirus will be taken on the festival site? Are the organizers in contact with the health authorities and politics?
Jensen: Since the safety and health of everyone present at the festival is always our top priority, this naturally also includes constant exchange with the responsible authorities, experts and politicians. Accordingly, all precautions taken will comply with the then applicable requirements. Since many factors flow into the development of concepts, we will present the concrete measures in detail once it is clear which of them we will take.
Have you already received rejections from the numerous permanent artists, especially from abroad?
Jensen: There have been no changes to the program as it is currently published. The musicians are just as there for the fans as we are, if the circumstances allow.
How much is Wacken suffering from last year's financial losses?
Jensen: A year without events is of course difficult for us, and not just financially. It is important to note that there are so many people working in front of, behind and on the stage in the entire industry who are in dire need with their passion and know-how to keep rock'n'roll alive. This important area of culture must by no means be overlooked, because the loss that threatens here cannot be outweighed by anything.