Pyrenean Warrior Open Air
Traditional heavy metal festival in the open air in the Pyrenees
About PWOA
Pyrenean Warriors Open Air: Heavy Metal at the Foot of the Pyrenees
Since 2015, the Pyrenean Warriors Open Air (PWOA) has brought together enthusiasts of traditional heavy metal every September at the Juhègues site in Torreilles, between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. This open-air festival is the work of the association Pyrenean Metal, whose members work on a voluntary basis, with their passion for metal as their only reward.
An Uncompromising Musical Selection
The PWOA's lineup is based on a strict selection of bands respecting the heavy metal codes defined in the 70s and 80s by legendary formations: Black Sabbath, Scorpions, Accept, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest. The festival hosts bands from around the world—USA, Canada, Germany, Sweden, France—mixing cult headliners and emerging bands from the NWOTHM (New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal) scene.
A Community and Friendly Festival
The PWOA stands out for its community and family-friendly atmosphere, on a human scale. Camping is free, with a dedicated parking area for those who wish to sleep in their vehicles. Food and drink stalls are available on-site, and the village of Torreilles, a ten-minute walk away, offers shops and restaurants.
European Reach
Over the years, the PWOA has gained a European reputation among lovers of traditional heavy metal. The festival attracts visitors from all over Europe, eager to discover a musical genre in a unique Mediterranean setting, between the Roussillon plain and the Pyrenean foothills.
PWOA — edition 2026
10th edition (PWOA X) of the Pyrenean Warriors Open Air, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Juhègues site in Torreilles, in the Pyrénées-Orientales. This anniversary edition brings together nine traditional heavy metal bands on the «Shark stage», with headliners MAGNUM (UK), FIFTH ANGEL (USA), and SORTILÈGE (France). The day before, on Friday, September 11, the site opens for free for the «Before 100% Heavy Metal».
PWOA X: A Decade of Heavy Metal at the Foot of the Pyrenees
The Pyrenean Warriors Open Air celebrates its 10th edition on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Juhègues site in Torreilles. For this anniversary edition, nine bands will perform consecutively on the «Shark stage», named in homage to Mark «The Shark» Shelton, singer of Manilla Road who passed away in 2018, and who left his mark on the festival during his visit to Torreilles in 2016.
Doors are scheduled to open at 12 PM, with the first band taking the stage at 1 PM. The day continues until midnight, true to the community and friendly spirit of the festival, organized voluntarily by the Pyrenean Metal association in partnership with the municipality of Torreilles.
The Friday Evening «Before»
As every year, on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 7 PM to midnight, the site offers free access for the traditional «Before 100% Heavy Metal», with music spun by Guix and Olivier Meurderone — a free warm-up for the first festival-goers to arrive.
Programme PWOA 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026 — Shark stage
Doors open at 12 PM, first band at 1 PM.
- MAGNUM (United Kingdom) — melodic hard rock / heavy metal legend
- FIFTH ANGEL (USA) — heavy / power metal
- SORTILÈGE (France) — heavy metal, French pioneer of the genre
- SUMERLANDS (USA) — heavy metal
- PICTURE (Netherlands) — heavy metal / hard rock
- SAVAGE OATH (USA) — epic heavy metal
- REDSHARK (Spain, Barcelona) — heavy / speed metal
- WHIRLWIND (Spain, Barcelona) — heavy metal
- PALANTYR (France) — heavy / speed metal
Friday, September 11, 2026 — Before (free access)
From 7 PM to midnight: «Before 100% Heavy Metal» with Guix and Olivier Meurderone on the decks.
Highlights PWOA 2026
- 10th anniversary edition (PWOA X)
- Saturday, September 12, 2026, Juhègues site in Torreilles
- 9 traditional heavy metal bands on the «Shark stage»
- Headliners: Magnum, Fifth Angel, Sortilège, Sumerlands
- Free «Before 100% Heavy Metal» on Friday, September 11
- Free camping on site
Prices PWOA 2026
Practical information — PWOA
Practical Information
Access
By car: Juhègues site, Chemin de Juhègues, 66440 Torreilles. Accessible from Perpignan (20 min) via the D83. Free parking on site.
By public transport: Bus from Perpignan to Torreilles.
Camping
Free camping on the festival site. Parking area for sleeping in your vehicle.
Food & Drink
Food and drink stalls on site. Village of Torreilles a 10-minute walk away with shops and restaurants.
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Where does it take place — PWOA
Site de Juhègues
Chemin de Juhègues, 66440 Torreilles