HAARLEM – Tonight the ‘Sit-Down’ edition of the annual music festival in Haarlem. Organizer Martijn Bevelander is looking forward to it, but it takes some getting used to: “Actually everything is different, except for the name.” This is the first major festival in the Haarlem area to take place.
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“The experience remains the same,” says Bevelander NH Radio, “but everyone has to sit, sing along loudly, of course that is not allowed either, people have to check in and get a temperature scan and they have to wash hands.” People also have to reserve a spot at the concert they want to attend.
Still, he wanted to let it go ahead despite all the adjustments: “I like a challenge and if something is possible, why not try to get it done? We also have very good consultations with the municipality and security services.”
This year the festival would celebrate a 40th anniversary, that would be celebrated big and will be caught up at another time. Bevelander is very happy that something can go ahead and thinks it is exciting, but not impossible: “If you are afraid of standing out, you will never fly. We are certainly an organization that can do this. We also want to offer an example. ”
15 second rule
Normally there are about 15,000 people on the large market in Haarlem during the festival, there are a lot less this year: “Now there are 775 seats and it is almost completely sold out.”
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It may take some getting used to, but the festival is not allowed to dance. “That is certainly not allowed”, emphasizes Bevelander, “people really have to stay seated. They can move their arms or stand for a moment.” The police set a 15-second rule, after those 15 seconds the festival-goer must sit down again. “We have hosts who keep a close eye on that and actually ask you to stay put.”
Bevelander is looking forward to tonight, the release will be great when the music starts and the festival opens: “It feels like I was very pregnant for a very short time, the baby can come tonight.” He is also very much looking forward to the final show on Sunday: “With music, sound and also fireworks. We did not save on that.”
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