The Flemish Brabantine municipality of Linter is welcoming metal music festival ‘Hell Open Air’ next year. The festival was organised in Diest for a first time this year, but the festival site used, is no longer available. That’s why organisers are moving the festival to the centre of the town of Linter. Expect atmosphere like at Graspop or Alcatraz, but on a smaller scale, the organisers say.
‘Hell Open Air’ was held for the first time on 4 and 5 May this year. It is a modest outdoor metal festival, but right from the start the first edition was a success. Straight away the organisers had to look for a new location. ‘The festival site in Diest (Flemish Brabant) has been sold. Construction will soon be under way. We looked for a new location in Diest in consultation with the city authorities, but that didn't work out. That's how we ended up in Linter,’ explains Erik De Pooter of Hell Events, a not-for-profit organisation.
Metallica and AC/DC tribute bands
Metal fans found a suitable festival site in the centre of Linter. ‘Melkrock has been organised here for years as well as roots festival Picking Bones. People here are already used to crowds and loud music. We immediately received a positive reaction from the municipal administration,’ Erik says.
Next year, Hell Open Air will become a three-day festival, held on 2, 3 and 4 May 2025. ‘The line-up is already complete. We expect around 1,000 visitors each day, with groups like Evil Invaders on Friday, and Metallica and AC/DC tribute bands bringing iconic metal band music on Saturday. On Sunday, you can eat your breakfast listening to the first bands. Bleedskin, Bloodhunter and Heidevolk are on the bill. It's going to rumble in Linter,’ laughs the organiser. ‘For the first time, there will also be a campsite as well as lots of parking spaces close to the venue. We are looking forward to it!’