On Thursday evening, 2 July, the night before all the tall ships sail into Harlingen during the Sail In Parade, Sail Harlingen kicks off with the Port of Harlingen Opening Concert. In the inner harbour, the Royal Netherlands Navy Band, together with guest vocalists Floor Jansen, Melissa Pander and Wiebe van Dijk, will kick off the fourth edition of Sail Harlingen. ‘This is going to be a truly special spectacle. It’s a bit like the Prinsengracht Concert, which people can enjoy from their boats or from the shore. But this time in the cosiest outer harbour in the Netherlands. In the background, a number of tall ships that have arrived earlier will provide a magnificent backdrop,’ says Lieuwe Krol, director of Sail Harlingen.
The Port of Harlingen Opening Concert begins on Thursday 2 July at 8.30 pm. The Royal Netherlands Navy Band switches effortlessly from classical masterpieces to a spectacular show and big band repertoire. With an eye for tradition, yet innovative. And guest singer Floor Jansen knows exactly how to handle that. As the frontwoman of the multi-platinum-selling band Nightwish and a singer on the TV programme De Beste Zangers, she has become well-known both nationally and internationally. Her impressive voice transcends genres and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Melissa Pander won the Frisian song contest Liet in 2023 and finished second at Liet International a year later! Wiebe van Dijk is the voice of Harlingen and far beyond. With the anthem Mooie Stad Aan het Wad, he achieved lasting fame in the region.
The area around the Vluchthaven will be open from 5 pm, so you can soak up the atmosphere and get into the spirit of things with a range of food trucks.
Register boats
Just like the Prinsengracht Concert, this concert is best enjoyed from the water. Come aboard for this unique concert experience right in the heart of Harlingen harbour. The following applies to all boats: register in advance and book your free spot. Don’t have a boat? You can also enjoy the concert from the quay and the pier.
The Prince Hendrik Bridge will open on 2 July at five minutes to the hour and five minutes to the half-hour. Especially for the opening concert, the Grote Sluis will remain open until 11.45 pm. So, are you coming by boat? Make sure you’re back inside the locks in good time.
