Liberation Festival The Hague
Liberation Day in The Hague
Throughout the Netherlands, freedom is celebrated on 5 May during Liberation Day: the Liberation Festival takes place in fourteen cities. The festival not only celebrates the end of the Second World War, but also reflects on the lack of freedom elsewhere in the world.
Where is the Liberation Festival celebrated in The Hague?
In The Hague, the Liberation Festival is celebrated on the Malieveld. The Freedom Fire is traditionally collected in Wageningen on the night of 4 to 5 May. The fire arrives at the festivals in the afternoon and is lit simultaneously in all fourteen festival cities.
What is there to do at the Liberation Festival?
Recurring Festival Components:
- Freedom Square
- festival market
- Children's activities & Carousel
- Veterans' reception
Free admission!
Thanks to contributions from the municipality of The Hague, the province of South Holland, the national government, funds, sponsors and catering revenues, admission remains free of charge.
Programme
The Liberation Festival in The Hague is more than just a music festival. It is also a meeting place where freedom, democracy and the rule of law take centre stage. In and around the Provincial Government Building, there is a programme of talks, performances and activities for all ages.
At the VFONDS PODIUM IN THE PROVINCIAL HOUSE, the day begins with the Heel Den Haag Leest Feest (All of The Hague Reads Party) for children aged 4 to 8. During this programme, characters such as Anna, Elsa and Olaf appear in a show. Stories by Dikkie Dik will also be read aloud. Children can also participate in workshops and creative activities.
Later in the day, there will be space for young poets from The Hague and various speakers. Visitors can attend the Freedom Lecture by Jörgen Raymann and listen to an in-depth interview with Journalist for Peace Bram Vermeulen.
The programme will be complemented by stand-up comedy from Puur Gelul, featuring comedian Ricky Risolles and cabaret artist Sjaak Bral, among others.
On 5 May, special military vehicles will also be on display in the square in front of the Provincial Government Building, where visitors can view them up close.
Stages on the Malieveld
During the Liberation Festival in The Hague, there will be two large stages on the Malieveld with a varied music programme.
The ASN Stage will feature singer S10, folk singer Chicco and American band Fun Lovin’ Criminals, among others. S10 was last year's Ambassador of Freedom, but was unable to perform due to personal circumstances. This year, she will finally take to the stage. The festival will be opened by Chicco, who will be performing with The Captain Midnight Band for the first time.
Singer SERA, tribute band Diva Turner and American funk musician Philip Lassiter will also perform, together with his 11-piece band. This year's Ambassador of Freedom will also take to the stage. The artist who will fly to Malieveld in a Ministry of Defence helicopter on 5 May will be announced at the end of March.
The Sena Performers Stage will feature Dylisa, Keizer, Djani and Buisbom, among others. There will also be DJ sets by AIS, Mispoes, Milla More and Willie Wartaal. The Hague music organisations Vijf Vier and the Haags Hiphop Centrum (H3C) will be presenting new talent from The Hague.
Curious about the entire programme?
