‘Larger than ever before’ is the slogan of Stadslichtfestival Hoogeveen this year. The organization bursts out of its jacket and wants to expand the festival in December, next to the Hoofdstraat, to Park Dwingeland, Van Echtenplein and the Grote Kerk.
With that, the fourth edition, in addition to light art, must also offer space for culture, dance and more music. Moreover, the expansion helps to spread the visitors better: during the previous edition there were 100,000 visitors in three days, the organization says.
Chairman Jan Stam of the organization sees it completely: a decorated Dwingeland park with a real festival atmosphere. “A corner where people can go to look at singing and dance performances.”
The city light festival wants to focus on a wider program, where it is not only about higher visitor numbers. “Our city center must be able to take advantage of the party and we want everyone to do for everyone,” says Stam.
For young people, Van Echtenplein has to become a place where they can play music together or meet each other. With students from primary schools there will be a lantern parade to kick off the party on Friday 12 December.
The Grote Kerk in the center of Hoogeveen also gets a role. Both the inside and outside of the building are decorated with light. There will also sing choirs in the room.
“Previously the choir walked down the street, but we think it fits better in a church,” explains chairman Stam. In addition, a number of organ concerts can still be heard in the Grote Kerk.
And the forty meter high whirligig is that returns to the Hoofdstraat? Stam does not expect: “We are an independent organization for the first time this year.” They get money from entrepreneurial Hoogeveen, but extra sponsors are still needed.
And since the group is aiming for a larger edition, more volunteers are also needed. There are now too little stated Stam. “We hope to find it in the coming.” The festival is planned for the weekend of December 12, 13 and 14.