Hells Bells Festival has opened the public voting phase for the Hit The Bell band contest. With hundreds of applications arriving from around the world, the festival is now handing over the power to fans to help decide which acts will join the 2026 lineup on the banks of the Oder River.
A total of three emerging bands will secure a spot at the debut edition. The selection process is as follows:
- One band will be selected directly by the fans through online voting
- One band will be chosen by a professional jury during the live final at Dom Kultury Słowianin
- One band will be hand-picked by the festival jury as a “Wild Card” entry, based on artistic merit rather than vote count or final performance
The festival has also announced that, due to technical reasons beyond the organisers’ control, the date for the “Hit The Bell” Grand Final at Dom Kultury Słowianin has been moved. The live showdown will now take place on Saturday, 30 May, with five finalists competing for the Jury Prize at one of Szczecin’s most iconic cultural venues.
The public voting phase is open until 4th May. Vote here: https://hellsbells.pl/hit-the-bell/
The “Hit The Bell” winners will join a line-up that covers heavy metal, punk, rock and extreme metal. Across three stages, the festival will deliver everything from the traditional heavy metal of Dirkschneider and Grave Digger to the extreme of Possessed, Vader, NunSlaughter, and Dead Congregation. The thrash metal contingent is bolstered by the technical assault of Gama Bomb and the legendary Frank Blackfire, while the fuzz-drenched riffage of Belzebong provides a stoner-doom counterpoint.
The punk and hardcore legacy of Discharge, UK Subs, Cockney Rejects, The Last Resort, and local icons The Analogs and Dezerter stands alongside the horrorcore energy of Słoń and the avant-garde darkness of Furia and Dola. Furthermore, the festival remains a vital platform for the new generation, showcasing the rising power of The Materia, The Stubs, Owls Woods Graves, Hamulec, My Own Abyss, Seks W Czasach Wojny, Pretensje, Drowned In Silver and Diving Stove.
As previously announced, the festival has entered its next pricing tier. This pool of tickets will be available only until 31 May 2026 (or until sold out): Full Weekend Pass (PLN 409), Friday Ticket (PLN 199), Saturday Ticket (PLN 229). The festival also continues to offer the discounted Youth Pass (ages 13-18) and Family Pass (adult with child under 13).
Secure your entry now: https://hellsbells.pl/
HELLS BELLS FESTIVAL
26-27 June 2026
Plac Gryfitów, Łasztownia
Dirkschneider (“Balls To The Wall” special set)
Grave Digger
Pro-Pain (35th anniversary)
Cockney Rejects
UK Subs
Vader
Possessed (“Seven Churches” 40th anniversary)
Discharge
NunSlaughter
Gama Bomb
Furia
Frank Blackfire (Best of Sodom & Kreator set)
The Analogs (old-school set)
Dead Congregation
Last Resort
Dezerter
Słoń
Owls Woods Graves
The Materia
Belzebong
The Stubs
Dola
Hamulec
My Own Abyss
Seks W Czasach Wojny
Pretensje
Notes To Editors
About Szczecin and the Venue
Hells Bells Festival takes place at Plac Gryfitów on Łasztownia, a historic island district in Szczecin known for its iconic "Craneosaurs" (historic port cranes) and stunning views of the Oder River. Pundits will have access to local food vendors, bars and the vibrant atmosphere of Szczecin’s waterfront.
International Travel
Szczecin is one of Poland's most accessible cities for international travellers, particularly those from the DACH and Nordic regions: Located just 150km from Berlin, the city is easily reached via direct trains (approx. 2 hours) or buses. Direct ferry links from Ystad and Trelleborg to nearby Świnoujście provide easy access for Swedish and Danish fans. Poland remains a highly cost-effective destination for international fans, with local prices for food, drink, and accommodation significantly lower than in many Western European festival hubs.
Accommodation
As a major regional centre, Szczecin offers a wide range of accommodation, from boutique hotels and family-run B&Bs to budget-friendly hostels and Airbnbs, all within easy reach of the festival site.