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Numerous guests celebrated the 20th edition of the Watzstock Festival in the hay hangar in Katholisch-Willenroth. With six acts – including the Berlin rock band Samavayo, regional crowd favorites like Doppelbock and the Low Budget Kings as the crowning glory – the festival offered a lot of variety.
Katholisch-Willenroth – When the first notes of the hunting horns echoed through the hangar, it was immediately noticeable: This evening was not going to be an ordinary one. The Watzstock Festival celebrated its 20th edition – and with it two decades full of passion for music, volunteer work and unforgettable festival moments in the middle of the countryside.
What once started as a small idea has long since developed into a permanent event for music fans from the entire region. For the birthday, numerous visitors flocked to “Kath-Will-City” to celebrate together, dance and enjoy the special atmosphere that has characterized the Watzstock for years.
20 years of Watzstock – six bands rock the Heuhangar
The hunting horn players from the Hubertus Büdingen hunting club kicked off the event. With the Hubertus March and other traditional pieces, they created a worthy setting for the anniversary evening. After that it got rocky. Firstborn Unicorn opened the stage program and quickly captivated the audience with songs like Raindrops, Lucky 13 and I Walk the Line. Lucky 13 in particular, a song about the pitfalls of online dating, brought many smiling faces in front of the stage.
A special highlight followed with Samavayo. The Berlin band had just returned from a performance in Prague the day before and brought the energy of an international tour directly to Katholisch-Willenroth. With powerful songs like Keep on Rolling, Afghar Sky and The Mission, the musicians delivered an impressive show and proved why they are appreciated far beyond the capital.
When Doppelbock then entered the stage, the audience was very happy. The band from the region enjoys cult status and was enthusiastically received. At this point, the hangar has been transformed into a large celebration community of friends, music lovers and festival fans. “The Action Team” from Frankfurt then ensured the best atmosphere. With humor and a lot of closeness to the audience, the musicians repeatedly encouraged visitors to take part. During the song “They grow their mustaches” a collective “Yeah!” echoed loudly. through the hay hangar.
The Low Budget Kings finally delivered the highlight. With energetic songs and rousing stage presence, they ensured a furious conclusion. There was dancing, singing and celebrating in front of the stage. Limbo master Jamok Einz also kept the spirits up between the bands.
Club chairwoman Christine Gunia emphasized that the Watzstock is much more than a music festival: “People from the villages often have to travel far to experience good concerts or festivals. That's exactly why we do it. We want to create a place where people come together, discover new music and experience cultural diversity right on their doorstep.”
The celebration continued until late into the night. The Watzstock has long been more than a concert: it is a cultural meeting place for the region, proof of how much commitment, community and passion can arise in rural areas. (By Sanja Winhold)
Just recently Fulda also invited people to the first festival for early music: The city celebrated the music of the early Baroque, and so a master class and concerts brought the Christ Church and the cathedral to life.
