The Netherlands is one of the countries with the largest festival density in the world. The pioneer in this field is Mysteryland, now the world’s longest-running dance festival. Pinkpop is the longest-running mainstream festival. The Netherlands had no fewer than 1,236 festivals last year. That is, events with more than 3,000 visitors. From pop to dance and from culture to folklore. Festivals for ‘something for everyone’. Dancing for all ages. Enjoying music, togetherness and meeting people.
All hands on deck
The festival culture in the Netherlands originated in the early 1970s, with Pinkpop as the eye-catcher. Nowadays every genre and movement is represented: House, Electro, Hardstyle, Pop/Rock, Techno, Acid and Oldskool. One of the larger one-day festivals in the Netherlands is, for example, Soenda in Utrecht, pure Techno. For many years successfully organized in the Noorderpark Ruigenhoek, a recreational park with many ponds and ditches. A big challenge when it comes to accessibility, bridges, walking routes and emergency exits in case of calamities. In short, right up Van Schie’s alley.
For a site like this, driving slabs must first be laid. Then the building of pontoon bridges can begin and the installation of steel bulkhead bridges. This is necessary for the accessibility of telecranes and heavy trucks from suppliers, such as tent builders, dixis and catering. On the days of construction, there are easily between 150 and 200 employees walking around, divided into various specialized teams that are well attuned to each other. The same goes for Van Schie’s pontoon and bridge teams, who connect the pontoons together in no time and turn them into stable bridges. Not to mention our crane operators who are familiar with the specific instructions of the ‘riggers’. A rigger is basically a lifting supervisor of complicated loads. Riggers are also the men who assemble the trusses and often attach audiovisual equipment and set elements at height.
Professionalization
Over the years, requirements for large events have become increasingly stringent. Acoustic surveys are done and a nitrogen survey prior to the festival. In addition, waste separation is an important issue. Everything is also organized down to the last detail. Just take the tightly organized bicycle storage for 10,000 bicycles in Utrecht. Festivals these days are carefully prepared and tightly coordinated. Everything revolves around safety, experienced personnel and reliable suppliers. A lot can go wrong when large groups of people gather, not to mention the unpredictable weather in the Netherlands. Stormy weather, downpours, thunder and lightning. Practically every festival has had to deal with plenty of these. Partly through ‘damage and disgrace’, our Dutch festivals have been at the top of this fascinating world for many years now. Where a small country can be big!
