Wacken Open Air and UKE Hamburg host joint blood donation day

Wacken Open Air and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) are hosting a joint ‘Blood Donation Day’ on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The event will take place at the UKE campus from 10:00 to 16:00 to address local blood shortages.

According to UKE, approximately 40,000 blood units are required annually for surgeries, emergency treatments, and chronic care, yet only about 27,000 units are currently collected. In Hamburg, fewer than two percent of the population donates blood. To encourage participation, donors will receive a limited-edition ‘Blood Donor’ T-shirt, available in two colors while supplies last.

The event will feature musical performances by the Heavy Metalchor e. V., including its chapters Northern Ravens and Tunes of Darkness, along with guitarist VanSteef. The Wacken Foundation and Metality e. V. are also supporting the initiative.