Ibiza-style parties on Scheveningen’s beach TEXT: KOEN GUIKING | PHOTOS: STRANDCLUB WIJ
Dutch club DJs are known to travel all over the world to play their sets, but this does not mean they do not perform in the Netherlands anymore. Strandclub WIJ in Scheveningen, close to The Hague, is known for its dance parties. This summer it aims to have more of these than ever before. “Top club DJs want to perform here at Beach Club WIJ. We have hosted some of the biggest names from the dance scene and many more would like to have this venue on their list,” says Nicolette Krul, the new owner of this beach club right next to Scheveningen’s harbour. “It is like the clubs in Ibiza.” Famous Dutch DJs Erick E and Roog featured in the line-up of the club’s opening -of-the-season party held in March. “For them it’s kind of a tradition to play here at least once every season,” says Krul. 78 | Issue 29 | May 2016
The owner and her partner know how important it is to put in the extra effort to create a special atmosphere. They do not just hire top DJs and expect the rest to happen magically. They make sure the lighting is spectacular, the decor in tip-top shape, the champagne flows in abundance and professional female dancers are on stage entertaining the party-goers. A short video clip of the opening party can be found at facebook. com/strandclubWIJ. Spontaneous club nights These kinds of Ibiza-style parties, attracting over 1,200 guests, only used to be organised three times a year: at the start of the season, mid-season and at the end of season. “We didn’t want to restrict ourselves to three big events a year anymore,” says Krul. Together with her partner, who previously owned a beach club on the nearby beach of Kijkduin,
she bought the pavilion in Scheveningen this winter. “Besides the three famous WIJ parties, like the Summer Edition that is coming up on 3 July, we are also ready to organise a couple of WIJ spontaneous parties this year. If we feel that the weather is good and the mood is right, we will add more dance events,” says Krul. The owners are not at all nervous about organising events of this scale at very short notice. They are an energetic and ambitious couple with much experience in organising big dance events at short notice. “We know a lot of people in the scene and to many DJs and dancers it will be an honour to perform at a WIJ spontaneous party.” Strandclub WIJ does not just come alive at night. The vibe in the beach pavilion is positive all day, every day. Even after the weekly Sunday breakfast buffet a cocktail bar is put up outside and a