news-detail__info">31. July 2024
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Tens of thousands of metal fans are on their way to Wacken. Until August 3rd, the bass will be booming again in the small village in Schleswig-Holstein. It is clear that there will be minor and major crises. But then the pastoral care team of the Young North Church will be on hand.
Sometimes things have to happen quickly. When the festival pastoral care’s emergency cell phone rings, support is needed somewhere on the huge site or in the campgrounds – even when the pastoral care tents are not occupied: This can be at night from 2:30 a.m., in the morning or on the first few days of Wacken, before it gets really loud on the big stages.
Emotional distress or repressed problems: finding solutions
Shortly after the call and a brief briefing, two people from the team put on the eye-catching light blue vests and set off.
It could be a festival-goer having a panic attack, a disturbing encounter that someone cannot deal with alone, long-suppressed problems or emotional distress that unexpectedly surface here – even though the guests actually want to enjoy music, fun and the festival atmosphere.
“Then we look at what the people seeking help need at the moment. We try to support them in identifying their own solutions, which actually already lie dormant within them,” explains Anna Schaefer from the Junge Nordkirche, which organizes the festival pastoral care.
The first fans have been travelling to the festival grounds in Wacken since the beginning of the week. The pastors may also be in demand before the music acts.© Christian Landmann, Young North Church
Even before the start, first missions
The team of 25 trained pastors has been in Wacken since Monday.
When there was a fire on the first night, in which the van of a small merchandise company burned down with all the goods in it, they were able to provide assistance quickly and easily: with comfort, conversations after the initial shock and also with practical help.
“The fire department and the festival organizers immediately brought new clothes, which we were able to pass on to the affected families,” says Anna Schaefer.
Easily accessible in the white tent
The organizers of W:O:A also ensure that the festival pastoral care services are easily accessible. As always, the white tent is right next to the DRK location, this time even closer to the “infield.”
Wacken Open Air 2022: The festival flag in the wind© Christian Landmann/Young North Church
“This means that those who want to come to us don’t have to tell the security staff first,” says Anna Schaefer.
The festival pastoral care has been an integral part of the Wacken Open Air for 14 years. Last year, around 350 people took advantage of the offer.
This year, for the first time, there is a second location near the Wacken Foundation. This makes the pastors and a place of retreat even easier to reach on the huge site. “But this second tent, which is open at the front, is also about providing information about what we offer and our work,” says Anna Schaefer.
Tissues, glucose tablets, snacks in the tent
The teams of two from the field shift have been on the “Holy Ground” since Wednesday afternoon until Saturday night, and the tents are now occupied every day. Glucose tablets and snacks are available here, as is a box of tissues.
Seating and a little decoration make the screened-off conversation areas feel cozy. Everyone here is professionally trained, almost everyone works on a voluntary basis and some have been taking years off work for this Wacken week. Every shift, every encounter is different – because the worries and needs of the metalheads are also individual.
Church in the village is always open
The church in the village also offers a place of retreat on Thursday for those looking for some peace and quiet in the hustle and bustle of the festival.
On Wednesday afternoon the traditional Metal service at 5pm The Swiss metal band Adoramus accompanies him and the Lord’s Supper.
“I’m very excited myself – they sing worship songs in metal style,” says Pastor Alisa Mühlfried. “Anyone can come to the service, even without a festival wristband.”
Right in the middle of the metal scene: the church. Not just the local Holy Spirit Church – in 2024, for the first time, pastors will also be on the festival grounds. Weddings are also possible, and there are already inquiries.© Susanne van den Bergh
At 7 p.m. there will be a concert with Annike van Giersbergen in the church. And on Thursday at 12 p.m. the inclusive metal band Amalgam from barner 16 (Evangelische Stiftung Alsterdorf) will perform on the Wackinger stage.
