Hellwatt no longer exists. After the mess with early Bird ticket prices, the alarming rumors, the unpeaceful separation from the artistic director and the dispute over the name, which we wrote about here, it has been announced that the festival to be held at the RCF Arena in July will be called Pulse of Gaia. Three out of five days are confirmed for now, including the one with Kanye West/Ye. It is not yet clear whether there will be concerts by Travis Scott and Ty Dolla $Ign.
«The events scheduled for July 2026 at the RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia, managed by C.Volo SpA, will be brought together under the name Pulse of Gaia Festival, an international format produced by Zamna, which arrives in Italy for the first time in the wake of the great public and critical success achieved by the Spanish edition last year», we read in a press release. «The choice was shared with the owners of the venues, who identified Zamna as the operating partner capable of guaranteeing production standards, international experience and solidity in implementation for events of this scale».
The former artistic director Victor Yari Milani had said that «as per the contract, the ownership and protection of the concepts, formats and professional relationships were developed by the undersigned, with the prohibition of direct or indirect use of artists, agencies, partners and contacts introduced by me without prior authorization». It is not clear whether C.Volo has reached an agreement with him. The press release states that «the new identity of the festival distances itself from the previous structure developed under the name of Hellwatt Festival, choosing a language more consistent with a contemporary vision of entertainment: less impactful from an energy point of view, more sustainable in production processes, but at the same time capable of maintaining intact the scenographic, immersive and emotional strength of a major international event».
On July 5th there will be Chainsmokers, Rita Opra, Ozuna, Nicky Jam, Lolita, Afrojack, Dimitri Vegas, DJ Snake, as well as Marco Carola, Ilario Alicante, East end Dubs, Ale De Tuglie. On the second day, July 11th, Swedish House Mafia, Benny Benassi, Clean Bandit, Alok are expected, as well as Asal, Henri, Andrea Oliva. On July 18th it will be Kanye West's turn, with Zamna Sound System, Mind Against, CamelPhat.
«Communications will follow for the appointments of July 4th and July 17th», reads the press release. At Hellwatt the 4th was the day of Ty Dolla $Ign, Wiz Khalifa, Ice Spice, Poison Beatz, Offset, Baby Gang. Travis Scott and Tyla were expected on the 17th.
«Tickets already purchased remain fully valid for the respective dates under the new Pulse of Gaia Festival brand. No action is required from the public. For those who have purchased the Weekend Pass 4 + 5 July, more information will be communicated in the coming days.”
Anyone who has purchased (or purchases) the ticket with Pre and After Party will be able to access Iren Green Park (boulevard of the RCF Arena) from 12.00 for the show signed by Zamna. The area will close at midnight. Those who have purchased the Early Bird ticket will be able to access the Main Stage parterre from 4.30 pm. All other tickets allow access to the Main Stage parterre from 5pm. For all concerts taking place at the RCF Arena, minors up to 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. For information: info@cvolo.it.
