Iron Maiden-led Metal Festival Wacken sells out in record time

Next year’s edition of the German metal festival Wacken Open Air sold out within six hours, according to the organizers.

The entire ticket contingent was sold out in advance, diversity understands.

Led by Iron Maiden, Wacken Open Air will take place from August 2nd to 5th, 2023 and will be officially expanded from three to four days for the first time. Dropkick Murphys, Megadeth and Wardruna are also included.

One of Germany’s largest open-air festivals and one of the largest metal festivals in the world, the festival welcomes around 85,000 people to the village of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein every year.

“We can’t believe what just happened: Wacken Open Air 2023 is completely sold out after a record time of 6 hours – all tickets are sold out!” The organizers issued a statement. “Thank you for your incredible loyalty, support and trust in us! You are the best fans in the world! So we can hardly wait to celebrate another superlative metal party with you next year. Look forward to many more great bands and a festival with which we will take you back to the time of the Vikings – officially on four days instead of three!”

The latest edition of Wacken – the first since 2019 due to the pandemic – took place last weekend. Slipknot headlined alongside acts such as Judas Priest, Limp Bizkit and Lacuna Coil.

All is not lost for those still hoping to attend next year: there is a waiting list, official travel partners still have a few tickets left and individual tickets may occasionally still show up on the ticket page.

However, the organizers warned fans against buying tickets from third-party suppliers.