People can cheer in Zweeloo, because Sweelpop is the winner of The Compliment of Drenthe. The music festival has been going on for more than forty years, and the special thing is that it is organized by young people from the region.
The Compliment of Drenthe is an award with which the province shows how important volunteer work is. This year the focus was on young people and, according to the jury, Sweelpop is a perfect example of how young people can take the lead.
The winner receives 3,000 euros to invest in their initiative. “We are very happy to receive this award. We were not really thinking about it, but it is very special to receive this award,” says chairman Stein Jansen. He emphasizes that together we will create “a very nice festival”.
Board member Emma Jalving has been one of the driving forces behind the festival for four years. The entire festival is built from scratch with a board of twelve young people between the ages of 17 and 25 and about 80 volunteers. And they do that with pleasure.
“We are a really close group,” says Emma. “Everyone works hard, but it is also fun. Our meetings usually end with a drink.”
Jury member Harol Kamps: “Sweelpop is a beautiful Drenthe tradition. Young people have been organizing a festival for 43 years. The public in Drenthe has chosen from 58 initiatives and put Sweelpop at number one.”
The prize money of 3,000 euros will be allocated immediately, says Jansen. “We would like to include it in the August 2026 edition. Thanks to the prize money, Sweelpop can organize two evenings next year, including a new pre-Sweelpop.”
Jansen says he has just registered the artists for this edition. A little tip of the veil: “Shine a light on me.”
Marit Luna, initiator of Dancing at Marit, received the special recognition of The Heart of Drenthe, intended for individuals who make a big difference. Marit makes dance accessible to all children in Wilhelminaoord and the surrounding area, regardless of their financial situation. Her commitment and positive impact make her an inspiring example for others. In addition to Hét Hart van Drenthe, Marit also received a check for 250 euros.