Wacken Open Air festival spokeswoman Anna Lorenz said that checking rucksacks would slow security checks too much.

Safety concerns have increased at public events across Germany since a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a music festival in Ansbach last month, injuring 15 people.
Festival-goers will be able to take in waist packs, and larger bags will still be allowed at camp sites nearby.

The festival, running from August 4 to 6 is held in a small village north west of Hamburg and is expected to draw 75,000 people this year.

The 120-plus acts include Iron Maiden, Saxon and Blind Guardian.