Festival Start: Thousands Celebrate Again at Nova Rock in Nickelsdorf

On Wednesday, Austria's largest rock festival kicks off in summery, slightly windy weather: Tens of thousands of fans are expected at the Nova Rock from June 11 to 14 in Nickelsdorf, and last year, according to the organizer, the 200,000 mark was surpassed over four days.

The arrival went smoothly on Wednesday morning without major problems. According to the emergency services, a large part of the visitors is likely already on the grounds. "It is very peaceful and quiet," a police spokesperson told APA.

Arrival at Nova Rock was calm

There were no major traffic jams. Only occasionally did the ÖAMTC have to be called out to provide jump-starts or replace fuses. A broken steering and handcarts with flat tires also kept the breakdown helpers busy. The police have so far only had to deal with individual "festival-typical" incidents, including a theft and two minor bodily injuries. A challenge could be the day guests on Thursday, who are traveling especially for the performance of Linkin Park. Around 7,000 fans are expected, who will leave again after the concert, according to a police spokesperson. A separate parking lot has been set up for them.

The Red Cross has been on the festival grounds since Sunday and has so far provided medical care to 146 people, eight of whom were taken to the hospital. Due to the sunny and increasingly hot weather, operations manager Florian Feldmann expects mainly circulatory problems, minor injuries, and insect bites this year. Over 750 paramedics from seven federal states will be on duty at Nova Rock.

Dead Poet Society and The Fleur for the opening

The musical festivities are set to begin on the opening day at 4:30 PM, with the Blue Stage and the Red Bull Stage being played first. It starts with the US alternative rock band Dead Poet Society and the Salzburg blues rockers The Fleur. As headliners on the two stages today, the nu-metal co-founders Korn and the English rock band Boston Manor are expected.

New this year is not only the design of the Red Stage, which will be played from Thursday and whose side panels are styled as eagle wings. For the first time, a horror maze will provide thrills.

Culinarily, they also want to serve dishes beyond the usual festival fast food this year. The now traditional Burgenland Arena awaits guests. Offered there, in addition to shady seating, are "fresh delicacies from the wine tavern," organic Zwickel beer, and Pannonian wines. Chef Max Stiegl is once again at his stand with "festival creations," as stated in the announcement.

Breakfast Stations and Beer Fastlane

At four stations on the campsite, fans can have breakfast daily from 7:00 AM. Coffee, non-alcoholic drinks, pastries "fresh from the local bakery," savory and sweet items, as well as croissants, are intended to make getting up after long festival nights easier. For those still partying at that time: "Ice-cold beer is, of course, also available," it was said. Late risers can stock up on groceries at the Food Stage of a supermarket chain on the camping grounds daily until 8:00 PM (there is also fresh fruit and vegetables available). A brewery has set up a beer fastlane for those who are very thirsty.

The bloodshed at a Graz school on Tuesday will not pass unnoticed at Nova Rock. A minute of silence for the victims of the tragedy is scheduled for today.

Nova Rock lasts until Saturday and features acts like Linkin Park, Cradle of Filth, Powerwolf, Slipknot, Electric Callboy, Dream Theater, Danko Jones, and Deafheaven. In 2026, the festival will take place again from June 11 to 14. Early Bird passes and tickets are already available.

(APA/Red)

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