Wacken Open Air Festival 2016 will be taking place between August 4 and 6 in the German village of Wacken, as it always does. The festival is looking at an attendance around 85,000 this year, though due to the recent terror attacks in Germany, backpacks and bags will not be allowed on the grounds this year.
For those unaware, a 27-year old with ties to the Islamic State attempted to enter a music festival in Germany with a backpack loaded with a bomb. He was turned away and ultimately detonated himself in the nearby area, injuring 15. So it's entirely understandable why Wacken doesn't want people having bags and backpacks, even though it sucks a whole lot for the attendees.
Founder Thomas Jensen had this to say regarding the decision, in an interview with Billboard.
"We update our security plan constantly, counting in recent events such as bad weather or the security situation in Germany. Because of that our staff knows what to do and is well prepared. Due to the recent events we decided that backpacks and all kind of bags are no longer allowed on the festival grounds."
So if you're attending this year, plan accordingly.
[via]
