Helpers at Zermatt Unplugged "I work here because the tickets for Patent Ochsner were sold out"

Every year, the music festival in Zermatt relies on countless supporters: They are either new to setting up, serving, entering or clearing up, or have been helping out for a long time.

In order for Zermatt Unplugged to run smoothly, countless helpers have to lend a hand. Some of them talk about their high points, low points and why they have been involved in the festival for years - or for the first time.

Mugi, location manager in the foyer tent

"I've been working here for the second year now and I make sure that everyone is doing well - but if there's a fire somewhere, I can be sure that my whole team will pitch in. There haven't been any major challenges this year, but it can happen that we rarely get a break."

Last year, she didn't get to eat until half past eleven in the evening: "I couldn't use my voucher because everything was closed and my two cards no longer worked." A good-natured chef then offered her dinner for free.

Daniel, admission to the Taste Village

"It's my first time here and I'm staying in a youth hostel," says the senior citizen. He traveled here from Bern and actually just wanted to watch the Patent Ochsner concert: "I couldn't get a ticket, but I resolved to make it anyway."

So Daniel signed up for the helpers' group and, lo and behold, everyone gets a pass that allows access everywhere. So he was able to see Patent Ochsner: "That was my highlight so far."

He is also often asked at the entrance to the Taste Village whether there is a changing table: "Nobody knows," he replies.

Susanne, sale of the Unplugged Pass

"A friend raved to me that I should definitely come and work here. So I let myself be persuaded," says the woman from Eastern Switzerland. "I even had to take extra vacations and organize special permits because I'm a teacher," she explains.

Apart from the weather, she really likes it. Her personal highlight was the concert by Graubünden musician Mel D: "I thought it was great, so relaxed".

Susanne described the opening evening, when they were overrun, as an absurd moment: "Everyone wanted tickets for Patent Ochsner! We would have been millionaires if we'd had any left."

Ralf, VIP admission

The Zurich native has been working for Zermatt Unplugged for seven years and could probably tell a few stories. "I shook hands with Thomas Gottschalk up here and managed to get a few autographs from female singers. I'll keep the rest to myself," he smiles.

His accommodation is even organized: A single room plus wellness awaits Ralf every year. "I'm very happy," he confirms.

He doesn't want to know about absurdities either, because: "What happens up here, stays up here."

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