The Bloody X-Mas Market, a blood donation initiative organised by the team behind Wacken Open Air, will take place in Hamburg on November 20–21, 2026. HEAVYSAURUS and SUBWAY TO SALLY are the first acts confirmed for the event, with proceeds going to Childhood-Haus Hamburg.

The event will transform the area between the blood donation centre and the University Heart and Vascular Center at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) into a Christmas market combining live music with a blood donation campaign. Admission will be free, and visitors can look forward to winter specialities, hot drinks, raffles and a varied live music programme. More bands and programme details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

At the heart of the event is the need to raise awareness of blood donation, with Germany requiring donated blood every day. The organisers aim to address declining donation rates by raising public awareness and encouraging more people to donate. However, the Bloody X-Mas Market is not exclusively for those eligible to give blood. Anyone unable to donate, or who chooses not to donate on this occasion, is also welcome to attend and support the initiative.

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Wacken Open Air founders and organisers Thomas Jensen and Holger Hübner also emphasised the spirit of solidarity behind the initiative. Jensen said they wanted to bring to Hamburg the sense of community and mutual support that has long been central to the Wacken community. Hübner described blood donors as responsible people whose actions can save lives.

Another familiar face from the metal scene will be in attendance: Marcus Bischoff, vocalist of HEAVEN SHALL BURN. An official ambassador for the band's blood donation initiative, Bischoff previously worked as an intensive care nurse. Drawing on his hospital experience, he explained how vital blood products can be in emergencies, describing blood donation as one of the simplest and most effective ways for people to take responsibility for one another. HEAVEN SHALL BURN also supports the cause through the Pay With Your Blood campaign.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Childhood-Haus Hamburg, a centre based at UKE that provides specialist assessment and support for children and adolescents who have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect. Its interdisciplinary outpatient facility offers these services in a child-friendly environment.

The Bloody X-Mas Market will be open from 12:00 to 21:00 on both November 20 and 21. Blood donations can be made on Friday, November 20, from 07:00 to 18:00, and on Saturday, November 21, from 10:00 to 16:00.

Location: University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, Hamburg, in the area between the blood donation centre and the University Heart and Vascular Center (Building O60).

http://www.uke.de/blutspende 
https://www.wacken.com/de/blutspende/