4,000 guests, 2,000 square metres of festival grounds and 224 benches

The construction work has been going on for over a week and the timetable has been set. The Zug Music Festival under the motto "Bock uf Musig" will take place in Steinhausen on 27 and 28 May. The anticipation is great.

Silence still reigns in the centre of Steinhausen. Two black figures with coloured frames and a musical instrument stand in front of the community hall (Gemeindesaal), while the white marquee can be seen, somewhat hidden, on the Eschfeldwiese (Eschfeld meadow). Two technicians are testing the light and sound while someone else is sweeping the floor. The 82 wooden tables and 164 benches will soon be set up, as well as the bar and the kitchen.

On the coming weekend, on 27 and 28 May, about 4,000 spectators are expected at the Zug Music Festival (ZMF: Zuger Musikfestival) in Steinhausen. 500 people from the various music associations alone. "All the associations are really looking forward to it, as the last time the festival took place was five years ago," says Silvan Zemp. He is the vice-president of the organisation committee (OC) and president of the Steinhausen music society. The motto of the festival is "Bock uf Musig".

20 music associations will present their programmes to the jury of experts. In addition to the concerts, there will also be two musical parade competitions, and, on Sunday night, the Still Searching and Habakuk bands, together with the DJ duo Bock Brothers, will create a party atmosphere until 2 a.m. in the morning.

The timetable is very tight
The festival grounds cover 2,000 square metres, and the construction work there has been going on here since 17 May. The 700-kilogram floor slabs were first installed, and the marquee a few days later. The finishing touches are now being made, such as setting up and labelling the various areas. The timetable is very tight.

500 volunteer helpers will be on duty during the weekend. "We have been able to cover the need for volunteers in the meantime," says Silvan Zemp. One shift begins as early as six o'clock in the morning, making coffee and providing croissants for the breakfasts for the music associations.

Focus on sustainability and professionalism
to ensure the sustainability side of the event, porcelain dishes and ordinary cutlery will be used, which will be washed in a mobile dishwasher. " Andreas Trüssel from the Schnitz und Gwunder restaurant will be the host in the kitchen. "It was very important to us to have someone who could bring a lot of experience," says Silvan Zemp.

Silvan Zemp discusses the next steps with Yvonne Andermatt (left) and Franziska Arnold
Silvan Zemp (OC Vice-President) is very happy that the festival will start soon     
Baarer Beer will also be on site                                                                   Photos: Matthias Jurt
How the festival site will look                                                                      Picture: PD/Zuger Musikfestival

In addition to the kitchen in the marquee, there will also be a beer cart and a coffee bar. There is room for 650 guests in the tent and around 240 outside. Sunshades will be available if the sun decides to shine.

Orders will be taken using the ‘Orderman’ system - a mobile device that sends the order directly to the kitchen by radio. "We offer training beforehand, so that the helpers can become familiar with the system," says Silvan Zemp. Payment on-site can be made with cash or by Twint. Among other things, Baar beer, sandwiches, chips (French fries) and sausages will be on offer. "We are expecting to sell around 1,500 litres of beer and 800 sausages."

Among other things, Silvan Zemp is responsible for the organisation of entertainment, technology and lighting. In addition, the OC vice president is the contact person for the associations. He is looking forward to various items on the programme, but there is one  highlight in particular: "The Steinhausen music society will play morning at 9 o'clock on Saturday morning, which, as president of the society, makes me very happy."

There was a lot of rain 51 years ago
the Zug Music Festival was last held in Steinhausen in 1972, 51 years ago. "I’ve heard that there was a lot of rain then. Four people from the Steinhausen music society who took part then are here again this year," adds Silvan Zemp. He is hoping for a festival that is fun, successful and free of accidents.

Note:
Further information on the Zug Music Festival can be found onwww.zugermusikfestival2023.ch.