Reload Festival 2026 draws record 20,000 attendees in Sulingen

The Reload Festival 2026 in Sulingen, Germany, concluded as its strongest edition to date, drawing 20,000 attendees over three days. The event featured a diverse lineup of international metal and rock acts, including In Flames, Arch Enemy, Lamb of God, and Black Label Society.

A major highlight was the festival premiere of metal legends Judas Priest. Lead singer Rob Halford performed during the band’s ‘Faithkeepers’ tour, a milestone that festival director André Jürgens noted was a long-held goal for the organizers.

The 2026 edition also implemented a new arrival concept, dividing traffic into four cardinal directions to manage attendee flow. Despite dry and dusty conditions on the grounds due to recent weather, the festival successfully expanded its programming to include a three-day mainstage schedule.