FestiValderAa is celebrating an anniversary this weekend. Last year the organization held back because of corona and edition 9.5 was celebrated. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the festival in style.
It has been pleasantly busy in Schipborg all weekend. FestiValderAa, a cultural event with ‘an eye for nature’ as the organization calls it, already started last Thursday evening. This means that the festival will last four days this year, instead of three. “That’s a gift in itself,” says Vanja van Guldener.
Van Guldener is the new artistic director of the festival. She succeeds Henk Jongebloed. Jongebloed, founder of the festival, takes a step back but remains involved. “Letting go completely is difficult,” he says.
The organization has found a solution for the theater company. They will play at a different location on the festival site tonight and tomorrow.
The organization had to do all the necessary work prior to the festival. The organizers had to work not only with planning and organization, but also legally. Local residents had asked for the nature permit that the festival has been receiving for years to be revoked.
Caecilia van Sticht – business manager of FestiValderAa – was confident in a good outcome for the event. “But somehow it is exciting. In the end you are happy that you are right.”
Van Sticht can therefore walk around the festival site with a broad smile. Excellent weather, many visitors and a varied company. “From young to old,” says Van Guldener. “That’s what makes this festival so special.”