Heitere Open Air Zofingen: The festival with all styles
19/07/2017
written by Sidonia Maurer
Christoph Bill, General Manager, talks about the cozy grounds and a varied line-up.
Series: Festival Summer 2017 | Episode 18:Heitere Open Air, Zofingen
It was not without reason that the Heitere Open Air was named the best festival in Switzerland last year. General Manager Christoph Bill is looking forward to artists like Ishantu, who will give you chicken skin - and to the cheerful, relaxed atmosphere.
What is special about your festival this year?
With our various event formats, we offer an enormous range of music over six days: not only the young and young at heart get their money's worth, but also pop, rock and pop fans.
Which acts are you particularly proud of?
I don't think pride is the right word. We in the program team are much happier when we have put together a line-up that is well received by our guests as a whole. Of course it's a great feeling when we can bring a world star like Bryan Adams to Zofingen. But it can be just as uplifting when, after long and tough negotiations, we finally get the go-ahead for an inspiring live act like Vintage Trouble. Or when we sign an unknown artist like Ishantu from the applications we have received, who triggers chicken skin.
What criteria did you use to put together the line-up?
For all events at Heitere, we are guided by the wishes of the relevant target groups. At the Heitere Open Air itself, we try to cover as many contemporary styles as possible.
View of the festival site from the campsite.
What else is on offer besides the music? Culinary, for example? Other attractions?
The Heitere Events invite you to linger: On the cozy grounds there are nice bars, a varied culinary offer and exciting activities from our partners. From the Ferris wheel, you can enjoy a spectacular view over the lower Wiggertal and the entire festival site. Those who prefer something a little more sporty can use the slackline park and the giant trampoline free of charge. Kids love the play area with theater and magic shows, craft workshops and lots of large-scale games.
Festivals don't have a dress code. But is there anything you should bear in mind when it comes to clothing and outfits?
Festivals also mean freedom: everyone should plan their days and choose the clothes that suit them best. Personally, I pay particular attention to comfortable, good shoes and - important for my hairstyle - sun protection.
What moment are you personally looking forward to the most?
I'm looking forward to many enriching encounters with artists, partners, suppliers and helpers. I'm looking forward to the special Heitere atmosphere and - even if it's associated with melancholy about the past - a few minutes of togetherness with my wife during the closing concert on Sunday evening, when hopefully the sky will still be cloudless and everything will have gone well.
Wow, the musicians' view.
What has been the most memorable/beautiful experience you have had with the festival?
The Heitere Events have shaped my life for more than a quarter of a century. I've been able to experience and learn a lot during this time. The valuable and beautiful things often lie in the very small things. One highlight from the recent past was certainly the award for the best festival in Switzerland, which we received at the end of last summer.
How would you describe your festival in a tweet (max. 140 characters)?
Idyllic grounds + lots of freedom of movement + cheerful, relaxed atmosphere + unique concerts + festival award = Heitere Events Zofingen!
Founding year:1991
Number of visitors:55 - 60,000 over all 5 to 6 days of the event
Biggest acts: Bryan Adams, Andreas Bourani, Clean Bandit, Züri West, Toto, Lo & Leduc
Number of stages:3
Arrival:Public transport or car: A free shuttle bus runs from the SBB train station and the marked parking lots directly to the entrance of the concert site.
