Hammerfest (festival)
Hammerfest was a music festival held annually in North Wales. In 2013, Hammerfest moved to the Haven site in Pwllheli, Hafan y Môr Holiday Park as the festival outgrew its original site at Pontin's Holiday Village, Prestatyn, Wales. It is not related to a music festival of the same name hosted by white supremacist groups. The festival was owned by emc3i Ltd, sponsored by the music magazine Metal Hammer and run by the organizers of the Hard Rock Hell festival. Because the festival was held at a holiday camp, the organizers made pre-built venues and stages, and attendees stayed in the on-site accommodation. This enabled the festival to be held during the winter/spring months when outdoor camping is not desirable.
Hammerfest I
The original Hammerfest was held on 24–25 April 2009 in Prestatyn. Fifty bands appeared at the festival spread over three stages and across the two days. Saxon, Sepultura and Opeth headlined the two-day event.- Bullet for My Valentine were originally booked as headliners for the festival, but pulled out due to recording commitments.
Hammerfest II
The second Hammerfest was held on 12–13 March 2010, with a pre-party on the preceding Thursday. 44 bands performed across three stages during the two-day festival, with an additional 8 bands performing on the second and third stages during the Thursday pre-party. The festival was headlined by 5 Finger Death Punch and Suicidal Tendencies.Hammerfest III
The third Hammerfest was held on 18–19 March 2011. A pre-party was held on the preceding Thursday as in the previous year, with bands performing on the second and third stages. 48 bands performed across three stages during the two-day festival, with an additional 11 bands performing during the Thursday pre-party. Accept and Sabaton were the headline acts.Four months before the festival, Pontin's went into administration. However, the festival still took place as scheduled.