Instead of a classic on-land festival, this year's edition becomes GoatHell Open Sea, or 'BoatHell', with a limited number of attendees and a unique sailing route.
This time, the GoatHell metal festival will not be held on land in the usual way; instead, it will move to a ship and be known as GoatHell Open Sea, or 'BoatHell'. According to Glas Istre, the event is scheduled for September 5 and 6, with a maximum of 150 participants.
The festival was originally announced as GoatHell Open Air at the Rojc Community Center. Now, the organizers have reported that, due to the aforementioned reasons, they are moving it to the sea, giving this year's edition a completely new form.
The ship is expected to depart from Pula harbor on September 5 around 6 PM, but the exact boarding location and departure time will be announced by the organizers later. The return to Pula is planned for the early morning hours of the next day.
The journey begins by passing by the Uljanik shipyard, which was once the main arsenal of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, and along the breakwater about 1,200 meters long. After that, the ship will head towards the Brijuni archipelago, passing by forts, artillery batteries, and other defensive structures built before World War I, during the time when Pula was among the key military and maritime centers of Europe.
The route continues along the Brijuni Islands, which consist of 14 islands and islets, and then goes towards the area opposite Bale. At that point, the ship will turn towards Pula and head back. The organizers promise views of the sunset, Pula's forts, and the Brijuni Islands, and they also hope to possibly see dolphins.
On the ship's stage, Finnish extreme metal band Impaled Nazarene, Godiva Music, and Slovenian grindcore veterans Extreme Smoke 57 will perform. The musical performances will take place during the night sailing, after touring Pula's waters and the Brijuni Islands.
The organizers summarize this year's edition with the words: "150 people. One ship. Three bands. Sea, Brijuni, sunset, and metal until morning."
Visitors will need to arrive at the boarding location between 30 and 60 minutes before departure because the ship will leave exactly at the announced time. For visitors not from Pula, taking a taxi is recommended as parking on the Riva is not free. If someone does come by car, the nearest parking lot is at Karolina.
Bringing your own drinks on board will not be allowed. Drinks can be purchased at the ship's bar. The ticket price is 35 euros, and they can be purchased through the festival's official channels and the Entrio system. If any remain after the presale, they will also be available for purchase just before boarding.
