The village festival in Ursem is the outcome of a consultation between residents and the municipality of Koggenland. This after last year’s New Year’s Eve completely out of control walked on Batterplein. A group of young people set off heavy (illegal) fireworks, including bottles filled with flammable liquid, causing significant damage to the adjacent childcare center and Bavoschool.
The police intervened, but were pelted with fireworks. What was left behind was great devastation and the dismay in the West Frisian village was great. “There were such loud bangs, it looked like war,” a bystander told NH last year.
After the incident, discussions were held with parents of minors involved in the riots and area bans were issued. Mayor Monique Bonsen alluded to measures, but also an alternative celebration such as a village festival.
Various activities take place during this party, such as trampolining, a swing, a silent disco and a performance by the village choir Woelige Nootje. “The whole village turns out,” says Marita Luitjes of the organization. “The childcare sector had a hard time last year, with anxious moments for the children. Now you only see smiling faces and that is why we do it.”