Discover Benelux | The Netherlands | Unmissable Festivals and Events
A musical escape to a world where everything is possible TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: NEVERLAND
We all like to escape our daily hectic lives sometimes. On 14 and 15 July, you can, by entering a musical world beyond your imagination at Neverland festival in Landgraaf in the south of the Netherlands. For Tim Italiaander, director of the festival, Neverland is a dream come true. “I have always been fascinated by theme parks. It’s like you enter a completely different world where everything is possible. A place where you can escape from real life for a day or two.” The enthusiastic entrepreneur continues elaborating
on the festival’s beginnings: “In recent years me and my partner Rob Schins, who programmed our techno stage, have been to a lot of different festivals all over the world, but we never felt there was something quite like what we had in mind for Neverland: great musical acts in an imaginary world and wonderful setting.” On this first edition of Neverland, there will be three areas: Tree of Neverland, Techno Mine and House Factory. “We are fortunate to have some of the biggest names on at Neverland,” reveals Itialiaander. Legendary acts such as Felix Da Housecat and Audio
Bullys, and also top artists like W&W, Steve Aoki and Above and Beyond will headline the festival. “It’s the only show of Above and Beyond in the Netherlands this year,” Italiaander smiles. “Neverland is a land far, far away with top acts, where great new adventures and experiences are born.” Neverland Festival 14 and 15 July Megaland, Landgraaf Web: www.neverlandoutdoor.nl
The love for music at Draaimolen Festival TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: DRAAIMOLEN FESTIVAL
On September 15 Draaimolen Festival will celebrate its fifth anniversary in Tilburg. “When you come to Draaimolen, expect great music, awesome stage designs and a day filled with love.” “It’s about the love for electronic music, nothing more, nothing less. Great artists in a perfect surrounding,” says Jip Snoeren, who is part of the team behind Draaimolen Festival. The festival area Charlotte Oord is a historical forest located just outside of Tilburg. “Most of the big electronic music festivals are held in Amsterdam,” Jip explains. “We wanted to create a unique event with the best artists here in the south of the Netherlands. With names such as Nina Kraviz, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Ben UFO and The Black Madonna, we feel that we have accomplished this.” The 2018 edition will have a total of five different stages. “Two of the stages, the Strangelove 36 | Issue 54 | June 2018
areas, will be curated by Amsterdam DJ Job Jobse. A third area will be hosted by Freerotation, a collective of promoters and artists hailing from Baskerville, Wales. Both curators were granted full artistic freedom. They will camp on the festival grounds the weeks before, and build up their stages themselves,” Snoeren smiles. “Together with these creative minds and artists, we design and build our stages and
visual art in a way that complements the music.” Combined with the stunning area of Charlotte Oord, a perfect atmosphere arises. Draaimolen festival 15 September Charlotte Oord, Tilburg Web: www.draaimolen.nu