Vibrant Leipzig defies dour image
By Laura Smith-Spark BBC News
Some 20,000 Goths will gather in Leipzig ahead of the World Cup.
Instead of the beer and bratwurst they may be expecting, the streets will be awash with mead, medieval markets, music - and extravagantly dressed Goths.
For Leipzig, the only city in the former East Germany chosen to host World Cup matches, is also home to the self-proclaimed world's biggest Goth festival.
Some 20,000 enthusiasts will gather from as far afield as Japan, Australia and the US for the Wave-Gotik-Treffen festival from 2 to 5 June.
Six days later, the city's Zentralstadion will be the stage for the first World Cup game for Serbia and Montenegro and the Netherlands.
Sometimes you see elderly people talking to the Goths and asking them why they look like they do.
Festival spokesman Cornelius Brach said he was confident Leipzig's residents would have little trouble with the transition from Goth-magnet to a city bustling with soccer fans.
"The people have got used to the Gothic audience - they know they look a little bit strange but they aren't 'dangerous'," he said.
"[The townspeople] are very friendly and welcoming. Sometimes you see elderly people talking to the Goths and asking them why they look like this - and there's no problem."
Aside from the ubiquitous black, PVC and piercings, festival-goers will also be dressed in styles last seen in the Middle Ages.
The festival, now in its 15th year, prides itself on its diversity and has created a medieval village and pagan market to keep guests entertained.
European Music Festivals 2006
If you happen to be planning a trip to Europe this summer or fall, and, looking for some great festivals and concerts, you might want to check this site out. BBC NEWS In Depth festivals06If you click on any of the links(festival sites or cities)the page you get will tell you where this is and who is on the show. Great map and site!
If you have any questions etc., as usual, email me reggae8@aol.com This goes for all my new friends in Ireland, Italy, Germany, the UK, Norway, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark and the BBC Radio 1.
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