Wave Gotik Treffen, Leipzig, Germany

A first attempt at a Treffen was made in 1987 in Potsdam. However, as the laws the German Democratic Republic made this kind event illegal, only a few hundred visitors attended.
In 1992, after the re-unification Germany, the first ficial Wave-Gotik-Treffen was held in the Eiskeller club in Leipzig. Since then, the number visitors has increased greatly.
The largest installment the WGT was the one the year 2000 with over 300 acts and an estimated 25,000 visitors. However, that year's festival suffered financial collapse on the third day and had to be aborted. After all festival security guards, most bands and much the technical staff had left, volunteer helpers and several bands who played for free staged a final concert. Contrary to police expectations, no rioting any sort occurred and the final day the festival was celebrated by the remaining visitors in a way that has been compared to the Burning Man.