In two hours the time has come: the ‘Festival Obdam for Ukraine’. This to put a heart to Ukrainians. The daily proceeds of the festival go to the Caritas foundation, which has been committed to Ukraine for many years. From the warehouse in Hensbroek they regularly bring medicines, clothing and food in that direction.
We worked hard behind the scenes at the Liberation Pop Festival in Obdam. But the organization was upset with the war in Ukraine. “The situation in Ukraine made us think. It felt inappropriate to organize a festival now that is all about freedom,” explains chairman Peter Homan to NH News. “Your heart breaks when you see those horrible images. All that suffering and despair. We quickly agreed that this day was all about Ukraine.”
There are also many positive reactions from the village. The organization expects hundreds of people. “All signals are green. Everyone is looking forward to it. The sun is shining, we are looking forward to it. It promises to be a beautiful day.”
donations
Artists from home and abroad will entertain the public in Obdam with music today. They do this to raise as much money as possible for Ukraine. For example, the Obdam band Spangle is on the Kerkplein and there is a cover band that plays songs by Neil Young. The evening will conclude – at 8.30 pm – with Krentenbrøød from Schagen, who let the public go wild in 2018.
Mayor Monique Bonsen opens the festival with a speech. After the opening, it will be announced how much money has already been raised at that time. Donations can be made on the spot, generous donors will receive a place on the screen and/or the banners at the festival. Afterwards, the organization will announce the amount raised, which will go directly to the Caritas foundation. “Jan Pilkes is coming to tell us what will happen with the money,” says Homan.
After that, a Ukrainian singer will sing the national anthem of Ukraine. There is also a word of thanks from the Ukrainians who receive Dutch lessons in De Brink – the socio-cultural center of Obdam.