The Highfield Festival at Lake Störmthal near Leipzig has begun in midsummer temperatures. Almost 30,000 people are partying to live music, relaxing on the festival beach and enjoying a carefree time. Many still have the dramatic Ferris wheel fire from last year in the back of their minds, but it didn't stop anyone here. According to the organizers, ticket sales went well. "We are not completely sold out. There are still a few tickets left in all categories," said Jonas Rohde from organizer Scorpio.
16 injured in the fire of two Ferris wheel gondolas in 2024
A year ago, the fire of the Ferris wheel overshadowed the Highfield Festival. 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 had caught fire. The organizers announced that there will also be a Ferris wheel on the site this year. Last year's incident was thoroughly analyzed with the responsible safety authorities afterwards, they said.
Visitors are surprised that there is a Ferris wheel again
Ramona from Remscheid in North Rhine-Westphalia is irritated that there is a Ferris wheel again this year. "I would have liked a different ride, for example a chain carousel." But she is also convinced that an accident like this won't happen a second time.
Sandro from Dresden has been coming to the three-day music spectacle for more than 20 years. For him, the focus is not on the music, but on the special atmosphere and the friendly atmosphere. His friend Robert proposed to his girlfriend on the beach at the last edition of the festival. "She said yes and we're going to the wedding soon," said Sandro. He loves the festival because of encounters like this. He had witnessed the fire from the previous year at close quarters. Nevertheless, he came again.
High summer temperatures as a challenge
This year, the weather is initially a major challenge with temperatures of well over 33 degrees. There are hardly any shady spots on the festival site. The organizers reminded visitors to wear headgear and drink plenty of water. There are numerous free drinking water points on the site.
Saxony's biggest rock and pop festival has three stages this year. The program on the smaller Beach Stage has been expanded once again. Guests can recharge their batteries there between concerts with yoga or aqua fitness. Headliners are Deichkind, K.I.Z, Clueso, Electric Callboy and Nina Chuba.
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