OpenAir St.Gallen: Chilling, barbecuing, top acts and newcomers

What is special about your festival this year?
We now have the "Campfire Stage" on offer. Together with "Schweizer Fleisch", we have created a special place where you can either bring your own barbecue or buy it on site and then "roast" it at the stage. All under cover and in a very nice ambience, combined with performances by singer-songwriters. Our Plaza Quarter is also worth a special mention, where you can enjoy street food, be inspired by young artists in the Design Boxes or get creative yourself in the Create Corner.

Which acts are you particularly proud of?
Alt-J. We're really looking forward to this, as we've wanted to have this band with us for a long time and they have a new album.

What criteria did you use to put together the line-up?
On the one hand, OpenAir St.Gallen is known for having headliners from the pop and rock genres in its program, but on the other hand, it also features newcomers who may not be so well known yet, but who are often the talk of the town months after the festival. You can still discover music with us.

What else is on offer besides the music?
We have been working on our food offer for several years and try to refine it from year to year and also offer regional food. Our Quartier Plaza is certainly worth a special mention, with street culture on the stage and lots of creativity in the Design Village. You can even get creative yourself in the Create Corner.

Festivals don't have a dress code. But is there anything you should bear in mind when it comes to clothing and outfits?
We recommend that visitors bring warm and rainproof clothing and shoes, as well as sunglasses and a sun hat.

What moment are you personally looking forward to the most?
The beginning, when visitors take possession of the grounds after a long wait and anticipation. To being in the middle of it all, when the ultimate OpenAir St.Gallen atmosphere can be felt with all the senses. And to the end, when our visitors return home after a peaceful festival without incident.

What's the best experience you've had with the festival?
I can think of several: For example, the OpenAir in 1990, when there was lightning and thunder at Andreas Vollenweider's concert and also at Santana's - and quite a lot of rain, and yet everyone danced in the mud. Or the unforgettable, historic festival finale in 2012, when Mumford & Sons united musicians from Wolfmother, Paolo Nutini and The Kooks on one stage for the final encore and conjured up goosebumps, tears and a touch of Woodstock with a cover of The Bands' "The Weight". Or in 2014, when after a lot of rain, a ray of sunshine broke through the cloud cover at the final concert by Imagine Dragons and the audience, including the band, cheered.

How would you describe your festival in a tweet?
Incomparable atmosphere with a Woodstock feeling when you chill out in front of the tent and listen to the top acts.