Gurten: Love is in the air at this open air festival

Simon Haldemann, media spokesman and member of the Gurtenfestival management.

What is special about your festival this year?
The biggest change at the Gurtenfestival 2017 is undoubtedly that it will take place from Wednesday to Saturday for the first time this year. By taking this step, we are creating more opportunities for booking on these evenings. As the headliners don't like to play in daylight, it was difficult to find a suitable headliner for Sunday. It also means we can have more bands playing.

Which acts are you particularly proud of?
Basically, you are always proud of a booking in its entirety and as a holistic picture. This year, Rag'n'Bone Man, who had a huge commercial success in Switzerland and could be booked for the Gurten at the right time as the artist of the moment, certainly deserves special mention. In addition, you can apply "what lasts a long time will finally be good" to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: We have been trying to bring them to the Gurten for a long time and now, thanks in part to the Wednesday slot, it has finally worked out. Fil Bo Riva is a very interesting newcomer who we will probably be hearing great things from in the future.

What criteria did you use to put together the line-up?
The Gurten can count on a very affine and broadly oriented audience between the ages of 22 and 26. It is important to offer these guests a topical, high-quality program. After all, a lot of music is consciously listened to on Bern's local mountain.

What else is on offer besides the music?
A unique festival location above the city of Bern with a view of the Bernese Alps.

Festivals don't have a dress code. But is there anything you should bear in mind when it comes to clothing and outfits?
It is extremely important to note that it is always two to three degrees cooler on the Gurten, which is a mountain, than in the city of Bern. It can get chilly at night, so depending on the weather forecast, make sure you bring a jacket!

What moment are you personally looking forward to the most?
The opening of the doors is always a special moment, when people peacefully and full of expectation take possession of the virgin festival site.

What has been the most memorable/beautiful experience you have had with the festival?
Unforgettable moments are always the ones where you can feel how the musicians' spark spreads to the audience and you have the feeling that 20,000 people are directly connected to the band. It's always special for me when Büne Huber sings "Scharlachrot" with Patent Ochsner on the Gurten. I met my wife 25 years ago during this song.

How would you describe your festival briefly and concisely in a tweet (max. 140 characters)?
Four days and four nights of exceptional atmosphere and magical moments on Bern's incomparable local mountain. Let's rock the hill!

Gurten: Love is in the air at this open air festival

Series: Festival Summer 2017 | Episode 11: Gurtenfestival