There are more festivals than you can shake a big spiky stick at going on throughout the UK and Europe over the summer months. We’re hitting a couple of our usuals, as well as some others this year. In the “We’ll Be There” series, we’re going to keep you up to date with the ones where someone from Moshville Times will be around, soaking up the rock and metal (and beer and pizza…)!
This one’s a treat for my son who’s a massive Sabaton fan. After seeing the band for his 8th birthday (with Alestorm in support), he was hooked. When I “accidentally” let him know they ran their own festival in Falun, Sweden he just assumed he was going. Who am I to disappoint my boy?
Happily, as well as having a cracking lineup, Sabaton Open Air puts other bands claims of being child/family friendly to shame. For start, kids (under 14s) get in for 20Kr… which is less than two quid. Money from all children’s tickets goes to a Swedish “make a wish” charity for sick children. There’s a children’s area where the youngsters can kick can and relax, eat a hotdog and meet the bands. Also, it’s policy that if children are seen near the front of the crowd without hearing protection to remove them or give them earplugs!
Note that under Swedish law, you can’t have children in licensed premises so if you’re intending to drink then you’ll need someone to look after your youngsters while you pop to the bar. An exception is being made on the opening Wednesday night as long as a sober adult looks after the nippers.
OK, so the bands… Obviously Sabaton are on there, and they’re joined at the top of the bill by Sepultura, The Darkness and Powerwolf. I’m really looking forward to the latter as they only ever seem to play in London when they hit the UK so I’ve never seen them live before.
Elsewhere across the bill we have Tyr, Battle Beast, Civil War, Bombus, Blaze Bayley and a ton more.
Tickets for 3 days with camping (plus the free opening night party on the Wednesday) work out at around £135, and you can get them now. VIP tickets have already gone! More details from the festival’s website. Your ticket / wristband gets you cheap use of the swimming pool as well!
