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Let's go! After the gates open, festival-goers sprint across the muddy meadow to the main stages.
Photo: AXEL HEIMKEN / AFP
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Despite weather complications, the first bands appear. The Welsh band »Skindred« is celebrated by a crowd of raincoats.
Photo: AXEL HEIMKEN / AFP
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The five-piece band »Skindred« plays a mix of reggae, metal, hip-hop and punk. The »mano cornuta«, Italian for »horned hand«, is of course not to be missed at a metal concert.
Photo: AXEL HEIMKEN / AFP
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On this muddy surface, the off-road tires have to be put on. But no problem for real fans!
Photo: Axel Heimken / AFP
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If all else fails, then just barefoot. The mud cure is free of charge in Wacken this year.
Photo: AXEL HEIMKEN / AFP
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Metal fans from all over the world travelled to Schleswig-Holstein especially for the festival. With 85,000 visitors, it is the largest heavy metal festival in the world – even if only about 50,000 have now been allowed onto the site.
Photo: AXEL HEIMKEN / AFP
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The festival's camping grounds had to be partially closed. The muddy areas were no longer suitable for tents and campers.
Photo: Christian Charisius / dpa
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The band »Broilers« will perform on one of the two main stages. The area is full despite the weather. Nobody wants to spoil the music experience.
Photo: Christian Charisius / dpa
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The faces are beaming despite the lousy weather forecast. Headbanging is also possible in the rain!
Photo: AXEL HEIMKEN / AFP
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