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Alcatraz metal festival in Kortrijk completely sold out for the first time, expecting 75,000 visitors

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Alcatraz Metal festival in Kortrijk is completely sold out for the first time in its history.
  • Organizers expect 75,000 visitors, including 9,000 campers, for the event.
  • The festival has expanded its offerings, including a deathride, and experienced long queues on its opening day.

The Alcatraz Metal festival in Kortrijk has achieved a historic milestone, selling out completely for the first time. Organizers anticipate a record-breaking attendance of 75,000 visitors, with 9,000 of them opting to camp on-site.

Last year, all combi-tickets sold out for the first time, but this year, all day tickets are also sold out.

— Bernard De RiemackerFestival spokesperson Bernard De Riemacker on the unprecedented sell-out of the Alcatraz Metal festival.

This year marks the festival's largest edition yet, with 15,000 attendees expected on Thursday and 20,000 each on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. "Last year, all combi-tickets sold out for the first time, but this year, all day tickets are also sold out," said spokesperson Bernard De Riemacker. He attributed the success to the dedication of the festival's 1,200 staff members.

The festival grounds at De Lange Munte opened early Thursday, with campers arriving around 9 a.m. The camping area has been significantly expanded to accommodate the increased numbers. Despite the early start, long queues formed by the time the gates opened at 4:30 p.m., with wait times exceeding an hour. "Fortunately, we only have to do this once," sighed one attendee.

We thank for this first and foremost our 1,200 employees, it is their commitment that is rewarded.

— Bernard De RiemackerFestival spokesperson Bernard De Riemacker crediting the staff for the festival's success.

Alcatraz is offering a more extensive program this year, opening the entire festival site on Thursday with a larger number of bands compared to previous years. Notable acts include Channel Zero performing their final outdoor concert and pirate-metal band Alestorm closing the day. For the first time, the festival also features a deathride on its grounds, adding another dimension to the visitor experience.

Fortunately, we only have to do this once.

— An attendeeA visitor commenting on the long wait time at the festival entrance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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