Villach unveils upgraded security plan for 81st Kirchtag festival

The city of Villach presented a new security concept for the upcoming 81st Villacher Kirchtag, Austria’s largest traditional folk festival, two weeks before the event. The plan, developed by security expert Herbert Wagner, was funded with €220,000 approved by Vice‑Mayor Gerda Sandriesser (SPÖ).

Key measures include a continuously staffed operations centre at Hans‑Gasser‑Platz, real‑time video surveillance for crowd‑management, expanded emergency lighting backed by generators, and the introduction of an AT‑Alert system for weather warnings. A vehicle ban will be enforced within the festival zone after 16:00. Fire‑safety rules have been tightened, requiring non‑flammable décor and careful storage of pallets and cardboard. Up to 100 police officers, uniformed and civilian, are expected to be on site during peak periods.

A separate decision pending for the annual horse procession will determine whether horses may take part, with a reduced, collective psychological assessment replacing individual evaluations.