Alcatraz festival expects 45,000 visitors for 15th edition

The Alcatraz metal festival in Kortrijk is expecting 45,000 festival-goers, said organiser Bernard De Riemacker after the festival kicked off on Friday. "For the 15th edition we're going to go one step further," he said.

Alcatraz attracted 32,000 visitors to Kortrijk last year, but for this year's special edition - celebrating its 15th anniversary - the organisers are expecting up to 45,000 fans. The festival unofficially kicked off on Thursday evening with a pre-party featuring several tribute bands. On Friday, Swedish metal band Eleine officially opened the festival on the Prison Stage. Later in the day, the likes of Mad Sin, Dismember and Agnostic Front are on the bill.

"It's actually ideal festival weather. Not too hot, not too cold and not too much wind or rain"

Apart from some rain on Friday night, festival-goers can expect a dry weekend. "It should stop raining by tomorrow morning. It's actually ideal festival weather. Not too hot, not too cold and not too much wind or rain," said De Riemacker. He says one of the highlights of the weekend will be the performance of Electric Callboy on Sunday evening. "The band appeals to a wide audience and that will certainly create the right atmosphere," he says.

The festival continues until Sunday.

^{© BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE}