FM4 Frequency Festival in St. Pölten

The FM4 Frequency Festival in St. Pölten, Austria, commenced with significant preparations for an expected crowd of up to 140,000 visitors. Prior to the event, emergency services, including the Red Cross, planned for large-scale medical deployments, while police prepared to use drone teams for security and traffic management.

As the festival began, attendees faced heavy rainfall and weather warnings. Organizers advised visitors to wear waterproof clothing and secure tents against the wind. Despite the weather, the opening featured approximately 20 international and local acts across three stages, including performances by Lorde, Fontaines D. C., and Kraftklub. Medical services reported over 100 minor treatments and ten hospitalizations, while local police described the initial proceedings as generally calm despite some traffic congestion.

By the weekend, approximately 40,000 attendees had arrived, placing significant logistical demands on local infrastructure and services. While the event provided an economic boost to local businesses and hotels, weather-related disruptions led to the cancellation of several Friday evening performances, including sets by Tom Odell and Sub Focus.

Authorities reported a relatively calm atmosphere, though medical and police activity increased. The Red Cross treated 841 individuals for minor issues such as nausea and insect bites, with 52 people requiring hospital transport, primarily for outpatient care. Police recorded two cases of sexual harassment, five instances of bodily harm, and several thefts from camping tents. The St. Pölten city police commander described the overall situation as “quiet given the scale of the event.”