Interview: Carole Ewert, Elvira Mittheis Discuss Wiltz Festival's Return After 2 Years of COVID-19

Chronicle.lu recently got the opportunity to speak with Carole Ewert, Cultural Programme Coordinator for Festival de Wiltz, and Elvira Mittheis, Director of Coopérations Asbl (festival organiser), about the Festival de Wiltz, a popular open-air festival which, following the disruption of the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is returning to the ampitheatre at the foot of Wiltz Castle from 26 June to 16 July 2022.

Chronicle.lu: The events and entertainment sector has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Generally speaking, how has Coopérations Asbl been impacted by and adapted to government restrictions over the past two years? Have you received support from the government?

Carole Ewert & Elvira Mittheis: The last two years were very turbulent. Due to the pandemic, all events had to be postponed, which involved a lot of organisational work for us. From informing clients about the cancelled / postponed events, finding new dates with artists and the technical crew, to adapting our marketing strategies. In addition, the sanitary regulations were being adapted and re-adapted almost constantly – we had to search for new solutions all the time.

Of course, we were in regular contact with other cultural institutions as well as with the government. Our cultural programme is supported by the government and the city of Wiltz, this is why we were able to realise our programme even during the crisis. Generally spoken, it has been a busy two years for all of us.

Chronicle.lu: What sort of work traditionally goes into the organisation of such a festival (i.e. in "normal" times)? How has this been affected by the various COVID-19 restrictions? Specifically, how did the pandemic impact the 2020 and 2021 editions of the festival?

Carole Ewert & Elvira Mittheis: Firstly, we always deal with the programme. We try to put together a diverse line-up that is appealing to everyone. Once that is in place, we move on to sponsoring, the technical details of the production, catering, security, and – last but not least - manpower.

In March 2020, we presented our festival programme during a press conference. Two days later, the lockdown was announced, and just like that, everything was put on hold. In May, we realised that the 2020 edition could not take place because of the pandemic restrictions. At the same time, bands like Mando Diao or Passenger, who were not allowed to travel because of the pandemic, cancelled their tours through Europe and postponed their shows to 2021. On top of that, finding a new date for our act by Theater Trier was difficult, given the fact that the production company already fixed their show schedule for 2021. Eventually, we managed to book another Opera with them for 2022. To sum up, the big acts from 2020 were postponed to 2022.

Chronicle.lu: What was the general response from audiences to updated formats, such as "Festival de Wiltz Goes Garden Sounds" in 2021? What worked / did not work? Has the pandemic served as an opportunity to try out new things?

Carole Ewert & Elvira Mittheis: As the restrictions were still in place, we let the festival take place with a modified programme and in a smaller format at the Jardin de Wiltz with a maximum of 100 visitors – and thankfully, it was a total success! "A lovely surrounding for concerts" - the audience felt very safe and comfortable in the outdoor area in a more familiar atmosphere. To let the Festival de Wiltz goes Garden Sounds in 2021 take place, we submitted a sanitary concept to the ministry which eventually got approved. Besides the eight events which were taking place at the Jardin de Wiltz, the children’s musical "Der kleine Drache Kokosnuss" and the music association "Weeltzer Musek" played as usual on the festival square in front of 500 people.

Thanks to our exchange with the audience, and obviously also based on the visitor numbers, we concluded that our open-air concept at the Jardin de Wiltz was working quite well. Because the Festival de Wiltz is, however, a large-scale event, we will keep it on the usual festival grounds. The Garden Sounds on the other hand, will also be held annually at the Jardin de Wiltz.

Chronicle.lu: With (national) restrictions easing, are you more optimistic about this year's festival? Have issues such as international restrictions had an impact on planning (e.g. booking international artists)?

Carole Ewert & Elvira Mittheis: At the present time, we are very optimistic. We assume that the festival can take place on its usual scale. International artists are recharged and highly eager to tour. They cannot wait to play in front of a big audience again.

Chronicle.lu: Traditionally, what criteria do you look at when planning the festival line-up (regarding genres, local / international acts)?

Carole Ewert & Elvira Mittheis: As already mentioned, the programme is the most important part of the festival with which we present ourselves to the outside. We try to book a very diverse programme including a variety of genres. With a programme ranging from classical operas, pop concerts to children's musicals, everybody gets something out of the line-up. Furthermore, we always try to include a few local artists. In this year’s edition, we mainly focus on concerts, rather than other kinds of performance acts, such as acrobatic shows and the likes.

Chronicle.lu: Whilst the festival takes place outdoors during summer, what contingency plans (if any) are in place in the perhaps unlikely case of new restrictions being introduced?

Carole Ewert & Elvira Mittheis: We are very happy to have such a beautiful open-air place like the Amphitheatre. The elegant white roof will allow us to organise concerts and shows in any weather condition. Our maximum capacity this year will be 1,500 visitors who will feel safe in the outdoor area to enjoy the concerts.

Chronicle.lu: What else does 2022 have in store for Coopérations Asbl? What other events might the public expect this year?

Carole Ewert & Elvira Mittheis: The new format Garden Sounds will take place this year in May and June at the Jardin de Wiltz, next to the Prabbeli, the socio-cultural centre in Wiltz. From the end of June to mid-July, the Festival de Wiltz will take place at the Amphitheater. Mid-September 2022 (15/09 - 17/09) is reserved for the well-known Nuits des Lampions which seduces guests to the Jardin de Wiltz. Furthermore, our cultural agenda is filled with interesting acts throughout the year. These acts take place in the Brandbau. And of course, our cinema is open six days a week, screening regular movies and niche cinema films.