The site of the annual rock pilgrimage to Hellfest is located in the small and pretty village of Clisson in West France – normal population 8,000, but for four days every summer that number is swelled by at least 60,000 people a day.
The Hellfest site sits on about 50 acres – the size of 50 football pitches – and has six stages. In 2023 the event hosted 180 bands and artists from all over the world.
Hellfest has been going since 2006, with two years off (2020 and 2021) due to the pandemic. This year being its 16th anniversary.
Headliners include Kiss, Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, Def Leppard and today (Sunday), Slip Knot, Pantera and Tenacious D starring movie legend Jack Black.
Mainstage # 1: Top international rock and metal acts. Mainstage # 2: Top international rock and metal acts (this part of the festival can hold 60,000). Altar: Death Metal. Temple: Thrash/Death Metal. Warzone: Punk/Rock. Valley: Traditional Rock, Indie and Stoner Rock.
Mainstage # 1 and # 2 are unique in that they are side by side, giving fans plenty of opportunities to simply switch in between sets so they do not miss the concerts.
Rock fans at Hellfest are a thirsty lot. The last three festivals reported that more than 400,000 litres of beer were necked. With the heat at this year’s event, our bet is that figure will be smashed for 2023! Blazing sunshine and high humidity every day, plus a spot of rain – but today, the heavens opened and it bucketed it down. Not all day though, thankfully.
Last day of four, and another corking line-up from this brilliant rock festival that really is the best in Europe. Giving Download in the UK a good run for its money! Friendly, safe environment too and very well run. 10/10 Hellfest 2023.
Tenacious D. were one of the big hits of the four day festival this year. Few times to catch them live in the UK since Download 2012, and here in France they pulled a huge crowd for Hellfest 2023.
Their material is great fun and they make a good noise for a duo. On paper, the idea sucks away from a TV spot, but live in the flesh they are excellent value. Their lyrics are certainly not for kids, even though many parents did bring their small children to the festival.
When Hollywood Undead hit the stage, the rain is very bad at this point and the field is turning muddy. The rain scheduled to stop at 6pm, but our luck was in and the rain stops just after 3pm.
All photos: David Bronstein
Words: Steve Best & David Bronstein
* Check out our coverage of Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Hellfest 2023 in our “Live Zone”………
Recent Comments