High temperatures, thunderstorms lurking and no trains: the start of Best Kept Secret has the necessary challenges. But the organization of the festival in Hilvarenbeek has stood for hotter fires. The organization has been preparing for all kinds of scenarios all year round. The plans are ready to make the weekend run smoothly.
“We are always busy with scenarios for all kinds of scenarios,” says project manager Marieke Smits. “Everywhere there is a plan for ready, also for hot, cold and bad weather.”
A heat protocol was removed from the stable for this edition. “We are lucky with the Beekse Bergen as a festival site. There is a lake where visitors can bathe and enough forber with cool spots,” says Smits.
“About eight hours in advance you can really estimate what is coming.”
In 2023 the festival already experienced a hot edition. “We then saw that people take good care of themselves. We naturally call on everyone to spread extra and drink good water. There are sunscreen and, like every year, there are water points where you can tap drinking water on the entire site.”
The organization is also prepared for bad weather. “We ensure that there are enough schuill locations and know exactly how many people fit there, should the weather be bad. We keep contact with the weather room 24 hours a day. About eight hours in advance you can really estimate what is coming.”
Earlier this week the weather forecasts still looked bad, but it seems to be not too bad. “The closer we get, the better the predictions get. It keeps waiting, but we seem to spring the dance.”
Not only the weather, transport also requires flexibility this year. “The suddenly shifted train strike was just a bit disappointed, but luckily we were able to have extra shuttle buses run from stations in Oss, Breda and Zaltbommel. That has been going smoothly so far,” says Smits.
“It’s pretty crazy and a shame that some cars are almost empty.”
In addition, the festival works together with Slinger, a carpool app for festivals and events. Visitors can offer trips there or find a lift. Good use is made of this, Marvin Pupping, founder of the app. “On Friday morning, 181 rides were offered towards the festival,” he says. In this case, more than 70 percent find a match. “That means that a little more than 20,000 kilometers of car traffic has already been saved.”
According to Pupping, 60 to 85 percent of emissions at large events come through transport. “It’s pretty crazy and a shame that some cars are almost empty. Driving together is more sustainable and cozier.” Because many users note that driving together is also fun. “We often hear that people are already in the mood along the way. You share your passion, you have a good conversation immediately and sometimes even friendships arise.”
