rssFeb 9, 2026, 10:45

Houtfestival takes a one-year break to consider its future

The Houtfestival in Haarlem has been cancelled for 2024 after the local municipality offered only a partial subsidy of €48,000 instead of the requested €80,000. Organizers will use this one-year hiatus to restructure and seek a sustainable way to keep the 39-year-old event free and accessible to the public. While the main festival in June is off, the organization plans to remain active through smaller community events throughout the city.

Politics Culture Haarlem Netherlands

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'At the start of the evening people are hesitant; by the end we are dancing together' Participation awards for Spaarnediners and Stichting Samen

The Spaarnediners and Stichting Samen initiatives have been awarded the Participation Prizes for their work in fostering social connection through communal meals. The winners highlighted how shared dining experiences help bridge cultural gaps and build community ties within Haarlem.

A place of honor for the legacy of Pieter Vermeulen: namesake nature museum opens next week in IJmuiden

The Pieter Vermeulen Museum will open its doors at a new location on Doorneberglaan in IJmuiden next Wednesday. This opening marks the conclusion of a years-long search for a suitable permanent home for the nature museum.

Heritage of the Week | A Look at the Sky

A unique ceiling painting, originally from a demolished building on Sarphatistraat, has been rediscovered in a farmhouse in Zunderdorp. The find preserves a piece of historical heritage from a structure that was previously lost to demolition.

Shoplifter caught in the act and arrested in Heemskerk

A 29-year-old man from Velsen was arrested on Wednesday evening after being caught red-handed shoplifting from a supermarket in Heemskerk. The suspect was taken into custody following the incident.

Loss-making Wehkamp acquired by Zeeland fashion chain Omoda

Zeeland-based fashion chain Omoda is acquiring the larger online department store Wehkamp, which has recently been operating at a loss. This transaction significantly expands the family-owned business, making it one of the largest online retailers in the Netherlands.