Greenfield Festival: The festival in the countryside

Thomas Dürr, Managing Director of the Greenfield Festival, talks about wolf people and the best moments.

Series: Festival Summer 2017 | Episode 4:Greenfield Festival

What is special about your festival this year?
The Greenfield Festival is all about the wolf people: When the full moon rises over Interlaken, it's time to take off the sheep's clothing. During these three days, festival visitors have the opportunity to show their true selves. Constraints and norms are left at home where they belong.

Which acts are you particularly proud of?
Green Day. They were already at the first edition of the Greenfield Festival. That's why I'm so pleased that they're back on stage this year. But the pop-punk band from California Blink-182 is also very interesting. They've never been to the Greenfield Festival before.

What criteria did you use to put together the line-up?
Every year we try to get the "who's who" of loud guitar music to Interlaken. We make sure that there is a style of music for all Greenfield fans to party to.

What else is on offer besides the music? Culinary delights, for example? Other attractions?
We have a large medieval market with showmen, artists and market traders. The festival also has free camping as well as food and drink stands that can satisfy practically any craving: From vegan burgers to Schnipo. For all those who want to party until the early hours of the morning, there is the Party Village with dance facilities and catering almost around the clock.

The crowd enjoys the concert despite the rain.

Festivals don't have a dress code. But is there anything you should bear in mind when it comes to clothing and outfits?
Be sure to check the weather forecast. It can get very warm very quickly when the sun is shining. It is very important to bring sunscreen and light clothing. If it rains, waterproof clothing must be used, as umbrellas are not permitted. The right footwear is also important. Only half of the concert area is paved, the other half is grass. This can get very muddy very quickly.

What moment are you personally looking forward to the most?
When tens of thousands of people go wild with joy, screaming and clapping. Then we know that we've done everything right and achieved our goal. And of course the ceremonial burning of our eight-meter-high "Burning Hand" at the end of the Greenfield Festival. We did this for the first time last year and hope that it will become a tradition.

What was the most memorable/beautiful experience you've had with the festival?
One of Motörhead frontman Lemmy's last appearances was at Greenfield. Experiencing this legend was certainly one of the highlights of the Greenfield Festival.

How would you describe your festival in a short and concise tweet (max. 140 characters)?
If you like loud guitar music and want to let loose for three days, the Greenfield Festival is the right place for you. ROCK ON!

Year founded: 2005
Number of visitors: approx. 80'000
Biggest acts: Green Day, Blink-182, In Flames
Number of stages: 3
Arrival: From Interlaken Ost with the shuttle. Follow the signs by car. Parking is available directly on the festival grounds. (Take the SBB train to Interlaken Ost and take a shuttle bus to the festival site. Or by car via the A8 highway, exit 26 "Expo" and then follow the festival signs. The parking lots are located directly on the festival grounds).
Website: greenfieldfestival.ch