Relaxed summer feeling at the Highfield Festival

Summer, sun, beach and lots of music: around 28,000 people celebrated for three days and enjoyed a carefree time at the Highfield Festival on Lake Störmthal near Leipzig. "The atmosphere was very good, the interaction was peaceful and considerate. An all-round successful festival," said Ruth Lößer from the organizers. For the visitors, it was like "a little music vacation". The festival went on until midnight on Sunday.

16 injured in the fire of two Ferris wheel gondolas in 2024

A year ago, the Highfield Festival was overshadowed by a fire on the Ferris wheel. Two gondolas burnt out and 16 people were injured, some of them seriously. Investigations into negligent bodily harm and negligent arson are ongoing. According to an initial assessment, material underneath the Ferris wheel caught fire. The organizers had set up a Ferris wheel again this year.

Rescue workers praise caring interaction

From the point of view of the rescue workers, this year's Highfield was the calmest and most relaxed festival in years, as the head of operations for the German Red Cross, Frank Jahr, said. "The guests were very caring towards each other. Everyone kept an eye on each other."

There had been around 1,030 treatments by Sunday afternoon. Allergic reactions after wasp stings, heat exhaustion and circulatory problems played the biggest role. According to Jahr, there were also between 50 and 100 treatments for so-called mixed intoxications. This is where alcohol in combination with other intoxicants affects people's circulation. "Some complained of circulatory problems, were barely responsive and even depressed," explained Jahr. For a festival of this size, however, everything was kept within limits. Around 210 staff and three doctors were on duty at the festival.

Guests love the choice of music and family atmosphere

The guests were delighted. "I use the festival to maintain friendships and enjoy the music", said Katja from Bonn. The 38-year-old was particularly impressed by the group Deichkind. "The concept of the stage show with lots of attention to detail was great. It was art."

André from Zwickau was there with his wheelchair and had a place in the "Special Needs" camping area. "The short distances and ramps to the showers and toilets were really good for me," said the 26-year-old.

High temperatures as a challenge - yoga for relaxation

In the first two days, the weather was initially a major challenge with temperatures well above 33 degrees. There were hardly any shady spots on the festival site. The organizers had reminded visitors to wear headgear and drink plenty of water. There were numerous free drinking water points on the grounds.

This year, the organizers of Saxony's biggest rock and pop festival had expanded the programme at the smaller Beach Stage. There, guests could recharge their batteries between concerts with yoga or aqua fitness. "Around 120 visitors came to the yoga session at 9.00 am. We really hadn't expected so many people at this time of day," emphasized Ruth Lößer.

There will definitely be a new edition next year. According to the organizers, the first bands have already been confirmed.