Photo: André Albrecht
It is still quiet on Zofingen's local mountain with its mighty lime trees. Soon the idyllic site will once again be transformed into the "Republik Heitere": from August 6 to 10, three consecutive music events will provide five days of live music. And as usual, there will be much more on offer all around.
The 16th Magic Night kicks off on Wednesday, August 6, with a program that brings music history to life. Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics will present the legendary duo's greatest hits with an all-female combo. Gotthard performs with a large symphony orchestra before pop icon Anastacia brings the evening to a close.
Just one day later, on Thursday, August 7, the Schlager fans take over at the VolksSchlager OpenAir . The Schürzenjäger, Vanessa Mai, Semino Rossi, Andy Borg and more invite you to sing and sway along. The 25th anniversary of the event promises a fantastic summer evening.
The heart of the festival week is the Heitere Open Air from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10 with a line-up that covers a wide variety of musical genres. In addition to the big names, the festival offers space for Swiss artists and newcomers.
Alan Walker, the Norwegian DJ and producer, will be providing electronic sounds on Friday evening. Hecht, the band led by singer Stefan Buck, will bring indie pop to the main stage. Also on Friday: Ginny Loon, Amy Warning, Anna Grey, Picture This, Mimiks & Guests and Disarstar Eileen Alister.
Ski Aggu represents the hip-hop faction on Saturday and will delight the younger audience with his energetic performances. The Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro completes the international headliners. Also performing on Saturday are: Meute, Mehnersmoos, Samora, Argyle, Fortella, Tiavo, Pauli, Soffie and Lonely Spring.
Dom Sweden will kick things off on Sunday. This is followed by the now legendary Seven Sunday Brunch with well-known surprise guests. It continues with Lara Hulo, Laurel, the dialect crew Fäaschtbänkler and Johnny Mahoro. Later in the afternoon, Pegasus, Ray Dalton - and finally James Blunt . The British singer-songwriter will be performing on the Lindenbühne on Sunday and is sure to give you goosebumps with his infectious hits and soulful ballads.
The festival deliberately offers sufficient freedom of movement in the concert area so that the up to 12,000 visitors per day do not feel crowded. The secluded lime trees provide natural shade and create a special atmosphere.
Those who need a break from the music will find various activities in the Activity Park. Mini golf, slackline, balance boards, a Töggeli box, a Carrera track and a street workout park provide variety. The Ferris wheel offers an impressive view over the Mittelland.
On Saturday and Sunday, families benefit from the free play area, where children up to the age of 12 can enjoy face painting, arts and crafts and large-scale games. The area remains an alcohol-free zone.
The various themed bars offer fine drinks and many non-alcoholic alternatives. The impressive range of food stands takes guests on a culinary journey around the world: from South American empanadas to English pies, Nordic flamed salmon, African meat kebabs, oriental shawarma and Korean corn dogs to cordon-bleu and cervelat on a stick. There are numerous vegetarian and vegan options. Footpaths to all areas and plenty of clean toilets with fresh water offer festival comfort for everyone.
For the first time, visitors can have their festival look styled free of charge on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in collaboration with Manhattan. Another new feature is the glamping tents for four people, which offer more comfort than conventional tents with proper bedding and cozy furnishings.
In addition, colorful tents of all sizes, special structures and creative decorations will once again dominate the scene on Camper's Boulevard . Some groups erect veritable tent palaces, which are among the attractions of the festival.
The easy arrival and return journey with the shuttle bus from the train station and the signalized parking spaces directly at the entrance make the festival easily accessible even without a car. So nothing stands in the way of a relaxed festival week.
Details at heitere-events.ch
