In a week’s time, on 2 July, Sail Harlingen kicks off with the opening concert by the Marine Band, featuring guest vocalists Floor Jansen, Melissa Pander and Wiebe van Dijk. This marks the start of a four-day maritime festival featuring magnificent tall ships, music, street theatre, markets, food trucks and more. What should you definitely not miss? Here are some tips from programme director Karen Brugman.
The Port of Harlingen opening concert
‘Don’t miss this opening concert on 2 July, starting at 8.30 pm. It’s going to be a truly special spectacle, a bit like the Prinsengracht Concert, but set in the Netherlands’ most beautiful outer harbour. With a number of tall ships that have already arrived providing the backdrop. Would you like to watch this spectacle from a boat? Then be sure to register for free via our website as soon as possible,’ says Karen.
Friday, 3 July
The Sail In Parade is, of course, one big highlight. ‘But musically, we’ve also got lots of great acts on the day. Melissa Pander will be performing on the main stage, De Blauwe Kop, straight after the Sail In Parade. She previously won the regional song contest Liet and is a real talent. Lo Poloko promise to turn it into one big party. They’re an explosive mix of Balkan, Latin grooves and guitar riffs. You really just have to see them, because they’re hard to describe in words,’ says Karen. ‘And on Friday we’ve got The Legends We’ve Lost. They’ll be bringing all the late pop legends back to life in one big show.’ And something you absolutely mustn’t miss on Friday 3 July: The Naked Koala. ‘We’re not going to say too much about this just yet, except that it’s going to be a real spectacle that you’ll definitely want to see.’
Saturday, 4 July
The Crew Parade, which winds its way through the city between 3.00 pm and 4.30 pm, is a spectacular event every year. The street theatre act by Abacus Theatre is also part of the parade. But there’s plenty of music to enjoy on Saturday 4 July too. Take The Upsessions, for example. ‘This is Madness-style ska, funk and folk. They’ll be playing at 7.00 pm on the main stage and are set to turn it into a proper summer party. We’ve got another party at the same time on the De Deining stage with El Sonidero Insurgente. They’re from Argentina and play a delightful mix of Latin American dance folklore, rock, cumbia, ska, reggae and Afro music. And of course, on this day: the Sven Hammond Fullband with guest appearances by Michelle David, Rilan and our very own Harlinger, Boaz.’ Not musical, but certainly a real sight to behold, is the skûtsjesilen regatta on the Wadden Sea. This regatta can be clearly seen from the Zuiderpier.
Sunday 5 July
‘Today, on the De Deining stage, we have a special line-up featuring Friesland Pop’s De Kleine Tour. This is the programme showcasing Friesland’s most talented artists. Between 2.00 pm and 8.00 pm, Brighid, YouYouri, Piter, Slatt and Jeffrey and the Dirty Dog will be performing here,’ says Karen. ‘Over at the main stage, we’ll kick off the day with a great party for the children featuring DJ Johnny Glitter’s Foam Disco. Also, you really shouldn’t miss Savine & Band at De Deining today. Her style is reminiscent of Amy Winehouse, Adele and Norah Jones. And, of course, DJ La Fuente at 9.00 pm on the main stage, De Blauwe Kop.’
Monday, July 6
The final day of Sail Harlingen is all about ‘Friends of Harlingen Live’. ‘On both stages, we’ll be showcasing a selection of the best that Harlingen has to offer musically. And, of course, from 11.30 am, there’s the Sail Out Parade, where we’ll wave the tall ships off once again. They’ll then set sail for their next port of call: Antwerp.’
Several days
As well as the daily line-up, there’s also a programme running over several days. These include the Ferris wheel, the Handelskade and two markets: the SeaSide Market and the Bonte Market at the Zuiderhaven. The SeaSide Market is the best place to spend some time, with plenty of art, creative and artistic stalls, workshops and unique bits and bobs. ‘On the Piratenkaai, we’ve got a really fun interactive programme for children, with workshops, craft activities, games and street theatre. And we have the Handelskade, where we bring Harlingen’s history as a coastal trading town to life. And at De Bodem, we have a special sustainability square, where you can check out great initiatives such as the trash skimmer from the Skoônseun Foundation.’
