The concert of the German metal band Rammstein on July 6 and 7 in the Stadspark in Groningen will cause more noise nuisance. The municipality of Groningen accepts that the organization will turn up the volume knob further.
The municipality was recently told by festival organizer Greenhouse Talent that it cannot comply with the applicable rules on noise pollution. Instead of the maximum 100 decibels, an exemption was requested to increase the noise level by 3 decibels on the event site. Not a spectacular increase on paper, but according to alderman Manouska Molema it is noticeable in the area.
Molema surprised the city council with her announcement. She explained that the request is in conflict with the zoning plan, but that the exemption will be granted. The alderman gave the impression that his back was against the wall. “When bringing top acts to Groningen, there is great competition between large locations. Top international acts have a choice. We have opted for large-scale events in the Stadspark. If you have more people on the field, that means different noise standards.”
‘We are shocked by this decision’
The alderman, who was able to avoid the debate with her statement during the short question hour, pointed to the ambitions of the municipality of Groningen to regularly bring top international artists to the Stadspark. “If we do not cooperate with this request, you run the risk that you will no longer be able to program major artists.” That is against the sore leg of the Party for the Animals. “We are shocked by this decision. All parties in the council want to reduce noise nuisance in the residential areas,” said PvdD councilor Janette Bosma. “It frustrates me that this signal from the council has not been taken on board by the council.”
‘Ambition of the municipality’
The PvdD wonders what the council will do if in the future other organizers also want the opportunity to produce more sound with their music band. Molema repeated several times that it is the ambition of the municipality to turn the event site into a permanent top location for major artists. The Socialist Party (SP), like the PvdD coalition party, also has reservations about the benevolent attitude towards festival and music promoters. “We are not thrilled about this.”
Reporting points in the district
According to the council, appropriate compensation for local residents is being considered. ,,What is appropriate then?”, SP council member Floor Mertens wanted to know. The mayor did not comment on that. “We will discuss this with the organizers.” The SP has opened hotlines in the surrounding districts. She wants to talk to residents about the perceived noise nuisance. For the two coalition parties, the flexible attitude of the Board is worrying and does not bode well for the future.
‘Our group is shocked’
Amrut Sijbolts of City Party 100% Groningen calls the exemption incomprehensible and unacceptable. “This is a significantly higher tax. The Board should have known that this could be a consequence of bringing in large organizers and artists. This is sweeping your alley. It increases the distrust of local residents.” Leendert van der Laan (Party for the North): ,,Our group is shocked. Isn’t this a license for other bands and organizers to demand the same?”
Concert sold out
Board member Lucy Pijttersen of the Stadspark Association Of course fear the worst. “We find it shocking that it was decided to allow more noise so shortly before the event. We will study the exemption and then come up with a final response.” The Rammstein concert attracts 100,000 visitors and is therefore sold out. Pijttersen: ,,To top it all off, the organization has also requested a 5.5 hour sound check. If it is also set to 103 decibels, we can wet our chests.”