Summer Breeze 2016

What a fantastic festival this was!

I went to this festival knowing absolutely nothing about it, I haven’t even checked to see how many people would be in attendance, but I did know it was a mid-sized fest. On a quiet Monday night in Nuremberg, I tried to find other metalheads, but not to much avail. I went to one open pub in the city that was recommended by my hostel, but all I found was two small groups of people who preferred to continue speaking German, so I didn’t want to bother them.

One of them was a guy in a black shirt, so I figured he would be going to Summer Breeze. I asked him about it, and all I got in response was, “Ugh, I only like small festivals, the festival you’re going to is too big and commercialized, it’s like Wacken.. but I guess if you’re into that, have fun” … and so there went my one and only attempt to chat about the festival I was about to go to! I can’t say I was into the conversation with his friends, either, so I decided it would be best to head on back to the hostel and get rested before traveling onward. I got really discouraged about going to this festival, but I was already committed, so I wasn’t going to give up and take another person’s word for what I was about to experience.

That same night, as I was walking around looking for the second alternative bar in town (which I never found, actually), I lost my favorite black cardigan, and of course, it was chilly out.

So the pre-fest at Nuremberg was a bust, and I had to put on my independent spirit and just wait and see what would happen!

—

And luckily, fast forward a few days later, I have experienced one of the most interesting, fun, friendly, and open festivals I’ve been to (though I have only been to now five festivals in Europe, and a few in the US), and even though most everybody spoke German, it wasn’t a deterrent, and people were accommodating enough by speaking English, and for most, their language skills were really good! The line-up was excellent (Slayer, Exodus, Arkona, Arch Enemy, and Korpiklaani were my highlights), the 4 main stages and 1 entertainment stage ensured that we always had something to listen to, and there really weren’t many lines, which is surprising considering this is “such a huge and commercial” festival, as that one disgruntled guy told me a few days ago. I met some really fantastic people, ran into friends I had made through previous festivals, and even celebrated my 30th birthday on the Summer Breeze grounds! There’s no better way to turn the big 3-0!

—

So while the review is still in the works, I suggest looking at going next year, or at least putting it on your calendar. It will be August 16th to 19th (woo hoo, my birthday!), though I highly suggest camping the night before to meet some new people and get situated for the next day. Let’s do this!