Gampel: Music and party with camping and Campino

Roman Pfammatter, festival director at Openair Gampel, tells us what you should bring to the "Toten-Hosen-Festival im Wallis" - and how to party at the highest level.

Series: Festival Summer 2017 | Episode 2: Open Air Gampel

Roman Pfammatter, Festival Director Open Air Gampel.

What is special about your festival this year?
Since Die Toten Hosen canceled at short notice in 2015, they are now our big topic this year. They have a new album and are only playing two shows in Switzerland: in St. Gallen and with us at the Gampel Open Air. Of course, that's a great headliner for us. The marketing campaign, in which Campino was involved, is also a great success. Because of all this, we are also known as the "Toten-Hosen-Festival in Valais."

Which acts are you particularly proud of?
Besides the Toten Hosen, there are also other exciting acts. In terms of hip-hop, we have received confirmation that Lil Wayne will be performing. That's a premiere. He's never played in Switzerland before. We also have a lot of good rock'n'roll women playing here. For example Jennifer Rostock, The Kills or The Pretty Reckless.

The video with the Gampel makers and the "fake" Campino.

What criteria were used to put together the line-up?
Our program is always a bit special because we bring together all styles. This range is the way it should be and also characterizes the open air. Basically, we are a rock festival, so the big acts are also rockers. On the other hand, we also have hip hop with artists like Lil Wayne and techno with Paul Kalkbrenner.

What else is on offer besides the music?
Stalls with a wide range of culinary delights. The bars also have a lot to offer. Because even here we have a wide range: There's everything at the side event. From pop to electro. Even the campsite has its own party zone. But we don't have a booze-up, we have a party at the highest level.

Festivals don't have a dress code. But is there anything you should bear in mind when it comes to clothing and outfits?
You should definitely bring three things: T-shirt, sunglasses and sunscreen. Fortunately, we've almost always had nice weather so far.

The good mood continues into the evening.

What moment are you personally looking forward to the most?
As festival director, I always look forward to Sunday evening. As soon as the last band is on stage, I have a wonderful feeling together with everyone else in the backstage area. Of course, I'm also relieved. We work on the program all year and it's interesting to see if our broad mix of music and artists works.

What's the best experience you've had with the festival?
My best experience is repeated every year: when I see the beaming eyes of the musicians as they happily nibble on raclette and relax in the backstage area. There is no substitute for showing appreciation in this way.

How can the festival be described briefly and concisely in a tweet (max. 140 characters)?
"iischi Party!" Festive joy, incomparable ambience, hip sound, great music stars in a unique location in the splendor of the Valais mountains.

Year of foundation:1986 (12.7)
Number of visitors: over 100,000 (over four days. 75% Swiss-German, 25% Valaisan)
Biggest acts: Toten Hosen, Lil Wayne, Paul Kalkbrenner, Cro
Number of stages: 2
How to get there: Best by public transport. The ticket is included in the festival ticket. Parking is subject to a charge. Camping is free of charge.
Website: openairgampel.ch