Accommodation at Wacken Festival is too expensive for first responders

Preparations are underway in Kaltenkirchen for the Wacken Festival, the largest Heavy-Metal Festival scheduled for July 31 to August 3, 2024. However, the volunteers of the German Red Cross (DRK) are facing a challenge. They urgently need ten caravans for resting and sleeping during the open-air event, as reported by the “Hamburger Abendblatt.”

In past years, caravan owners have kindly provided their vehicles at affordable prices. However, this year, some providers are asking for exorbitant rents of up to 2,000 euros per week. Jürgen Schumacher, the chairman of the local German Red Cross association, expressed frustration at these high rental demands, emphasizing that the volunteers do not make much money at Wacken. These volunteers, consisting of 570 rescuers and emergency physicians from across Germany, work around the clock in shifts to provide medical care for approximately 120,000 people attending the festival.

The caravans are essential for the operational management of the Wacken Hospital run by the German Red Cross on the festival grounds. Despite the festival being known for alcohol-related issues, the main risks are dehydration and hypothermia, requiring medical attention for a range of issues from minor ailments to life-threatening emergencies. Schumacher assures that the caravans will only be used for relaxation and sleeping and will be located in a separate area outside the festival guest zones.

Anyone who can help by providing caravans can contact Schumacher at [email protected] or by phone at 04191/801352. The assistance of the community is crucial to ensuring that the volunteer rescuers at Wacken Festival have the necessary facilities to rest and recharge during this major event.