The Reload Festival first started in 2003 as an indoor event in Twistringen. In 2006, it was decided to move the festival outdoors and chose the site of the “Alte Ziegelei”. The festival was also extended to three days. In the same year, international artists such as Dog Eat Dog played for the first time alongside national bands such as the Donots and Emil Bulls. At the festival’s fifth anniversary in 2010, Billy Idol was the headliner alongside the German band The BossHoss.

With around 10,000 fans coming to the festival grounds, it’s still a relatively small festival, which means there’s only one main stage and minimal scheduling conflicts. There’s no need to stress about choosing between your favourite bands.

The festival offers something to enjoy for people from all generations, with newer bands like Spiritbox, thrown., and Future Palace, as well as bands that have been around for over 30 years, such as Hatebreed, Paradise Lost, and Behemoth.