Alcatraz Festival Sells Out for First Time, Faces Long Queues

The metal festival Alcatraz in Kortrijk, Belgium, has achieved a first in its history by completely selling out. This year's event is projected to attract 75,000 visitors, including 9,000 campers, marking a significant increase in attendance.

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There were definitely more people because it was sold out for the first time. Additionally, many people were already queuing before the doors opened. As a result, the waiting time immediately increased.

The surge in visitors led to considerable congestion at the entrance, with some attendees experiencing wait times of up to two hours to receive their wristbands. Spokesperson Bernard De Riemacker attributed the lengthy queues to the festival being sold out for the first time and a large number of people arriving before the gates even opened. The check-in window was also compressed, as the first band started at 6 p.m., with wristband collection available only from 4:30 p.m., causing everyone to arrive simultaneously.

De Riemacker expressed optimism that the second day would be much calmer. "Today, visitors can collect their wristbands from morning till evening, which will allow for better distribution," he stated. He also addressed concerns about overcrowding on the festival grounds, noting that wait times at bars and toilets could reach fifteen minutes. He explained this is typical for a large festival, as the compact layout prioritizes proximity to amenities over vast open spaces.

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We expect it to be much quieter today. Today, visitors can collect their wristbands from morning till evening. That provides more distribution.

Despite the initial congestion, De Riemacker suggested the crowds were manageable, comparing it to previous years. He mentioned that last year's Sunday, which also sold out with 18,000 visitors, was busy, but the current situation is not necessarily busier than other years. The focus now is on ensuring a smoother experience for the remaining festival days.

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We don't want a super large site where people have to walk 45 minutes to get something to eat. That makes it more compact, but sometimes also busier.