Ed Sheeran to Kick Off Frequency Festival as Red Cross Prepares for Busy Weekend

Ed Sheeran to Kick Off Frequency Festival as Red Cross Prepares for Busy Weekend

Photo: Nina Gamsjäger
Photo: Nina Gamsjäger

Preparations for the Frequency Festival, which will take place from August 14 to 17 in St. Pölten, are in full swing. The Red Cross will have up to 120 staff members on duty during peak times, according to a statement released on Friday. According to the organizer, the festival will take place “as planned,” but visitors should expect longer wait times due to stricter controls. The ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) will be offering special trains.

Ed Sheeran will kick off the festival with “Frequency x-tended” on August 14. In the following days, performers such as Apache 207, The Offspring, RAF Camora, Peter Fox, and Cro will take the stage along the Traisen River. Around 50,000 visitors are expected daily at the VAZ site in the capital of Lower Austria.

At seven stations, up to 120 paramedics and emergency medical technicians, along with up to three emergency doctors, as well as crisis intervention and water rescue staff, will be on hand to ensure the safety of guests from Wednesday to Sunday. According to experience, the main tasks include treating patients with minor (cut) injuries, insect bites, or circulatory problems. “Afterward, most can usually return to the festival,” it was stated.

“We are available around the clock if festival-goers need our help. Specifically, after insect bites and when symptoms such as swelling or circulatory problems occur, one of our medical stations should be visited immediately,” said District Commander Erich Winkler.

The Red Cross recommends wearing sturdy footwear, even in camping areas, to avoid injuries. According to the current forecast, it is expected to be hot during the day. Visitors are advised not to forget sun protection and to wear a hat, as well as to drink plenty of fluids—preferably non-alcoholic beverages. Warm clothing should also be brought for the nights.

The Red Cross’s planning, which has been ongoing for months, includes not only organizing equipment and supplies—from supply tents to bandages and medication to food—but also setting up infrastructure and, most importantly, organizing personnel. The staff comes from the St. Pölten region, but some will also travel from other provinces to work at the festival.

ÖBB is offering additional train connections and extra seats over the long weekend. Additionally, special trains will run from St. Pölten to Vienna. According to a statement released on Friday, a separate “Special Train Frequency 2024” ticket will be required for these connections. ÖBB standard tickets will not be accepted on the special trains.

According to the Lower Austria State Police Directorate, there are “no specific indications of a particular threat to the festival in St. Pölten.” However, following the arrest of terror suspects in connection with plans to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, there remains “an abstract increased risk,” it was stated on Thursday.

 

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