Hellfest has clamped down on alcohol sales for the closing day of its 2026 edition, taking action on Sunday, June 21 in Clisson, France as a record-breaking heatwave grips the country. The festival announced the measures in a statement shared across its social media channels, citing the national red heat alert and the safety of its attendees.
France is in the middle of its second heatwave of 2026, with more than a third of the country placed under a red alert. In response, the government rolled out restrictions on alcohol consumption across the affected departments, a decision that followed a crisis meeting led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Local prefectures were tasked with issuing decrees to enforce the limits in public spaces.
According to the festival’s statement, the sale of spirits has been suspended entirely for the day. Beer is now capped at 25cl (250 ml) per person per order, and wine is limited to one serving per person per order. Hellfest said the restrictions follow the recommendations of the local prefecture and are designed to put public safety first during the extreme heat.
The organizers also closed the half-price ticket office for children aged 6 to 16 for Sunday only. Minors who already hold a festival pass are unaffected by the change. Even so, the festival advised parents to think twice about bringing their children to the site on the hottest day of the event.
The festival’s complete message to fans read as follows:
RED HEATWAVE ALERT – ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION RESTRICTIONS FOR 21/06
Following the red heatwave alert and recommendations from the prefecture, your safety is our priority.
As such, alcohol consumption will be restricted this Sunday at the festival. Therefore, at the bars:
- NO MORE SALES OF HARD LIQUOR.
- BEER SALES WILL BE LIMITED TO 25CL PER PERSON PER ORDER.
- WINE SALES WILL BE LIMITED TO 1 SERVING PER PERSON PER ORDER.
In addition, half-price ticketing (for minors aged 6 to 16) will be closed. Minors who already have a festival pass are not affected by this restriction. However, we advise parents against bringing their children on Sunday.
We remind you of the safety guidelines:
- STAY HYDRATED REGULARLY.
- PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN WITH APPROPRIATE CLOTHING.
- TAKE BREAKS IN THE SHADE.
- PROTECT YOUR SKIN WITH SUNSCREEN, APPLIED REGULARLY.
- DON’T FORGET TO EAT.
- FOR CAMPSITE DEPARTURES MONDAY MORNING, PLAN AN EARLIER DEPARTURE TO AVOID THE HIGH TEMPERATURES.
Additional technical measures will be put in place on-site to help you cool down, and free water points are available throughout the venue.
We’re counting on your vigilance and responsibility to look out for one another. Our first-aid and security teams are fully mobilized to assist you.
Take care of yourselves, Hellbangers!”
Conditions are expected to deteriorate in the days ahead. Météo-France has warned that Monday, June 22 could become the hottest day ever recorded in the country, with temperatures forecast to climb between 37°C and 42°C. The festival urged fans leaving the campsite on Monday to head out early and avoid the worst of the heat.
