Power cut turns Ella Stern show into Heitere highlight
Monday 10th August 2026 on 17:45 in
Switzerland
SRF looks back at five memorable moments from the 2026 Heitere Open Air festival in Zofingen, including an unexpected power cut, a parade of guest performers and unusual activity at the campsite.
Ella Stern plays through power cut
Silence briefly fell over the festival on Saturday afternoon when the power went out during Austrian pop singer Ella Stern’s concert on the main stage. The outage lasted around 15 minutes.
Stern and her band responded by leaving the stage and continuing the performance among the audience without amplification. When they began a cover of the indie hit We Are Young, the entire crowd joined in.
Stars join Seven on stage
A series of guests joined Aargau soul musician Jan Seven Dettwyler during his Sunday Brunch concert on Sunday. The performers included former Plusch singer Ritschi, comedian Fabio Landert, SRF 3 Best Talent winner Joya Marleen, rapper Gigi Malua, Swiss German music legend Peter Reber, Lunik singer Jael Malli and Michi Beck of Die Fantastischen Vier.
Jule X brings the crowd to a boil
Bernese rapper Jule X and his crew delivered a high-energy performance on Friday at 10.15pm. The area in front of the Park Stage was packed, suggesting that the act could move to the main stage next year.
Benjamin Amaru creates goosebumps in the heat
Singer-songwriter Benjamin Amaru drew an enthusiastic audience on Sunday afternoon despite temperatures above 30 degrees. His performance combined emotional indie pop, thoughtful lyrics and engaging remarks between songs, keeping people in the sun rather than sending them into the shade.
Unusual scenes at the campsite
The Heitere campsite began filling up on Wednesday, two days before the festival officially started. Visitor Claudia described the Zofingen festival as being like a class reunion and returning home. For many campers, the music was secondary.
The campsite featured creative structures surrounded by electric fences, huge sofa areas and a water-slide contest. The contest was held for the second time this year and included its own DJ vehicle. Simon from the organising team said judges assessed creativity, sliding technique and costumes. The prize was a trophy bought from a second-hand shop.