After a turbulent year in Haarlem’s nightlife, the city’s nocturnal animals want to show that partying can be fun. During the Week of the Haarlem Night, which will be organized for the second time from tonight, a lot of attention will be paid to a varied and safe nightlife.
The nocturnal animals of Haarlem can be seen all week in the photo exhibition ‘Faces of the Night’ in gallery De Gang. These are the visitors to the much-discussed breeding ground Slachthuis, which barely attended this year saved from closure became.
Photographer Tim Mai Tan wanted to strengthen the petition for the preservation of the Slaughterhouse with a series of portraits of artists, bands, artists and loyal visitors.
The city’s queers, depicted by Bink ter Weijde, can also be seen in the exhibition. This group is becoming oppressed due to the declining meeting places. “The night is a moment when people should be themselves,” says the photographer. “There must be a place in Haarlem where everyone is welcome, without hate, without bullshit.”
In bad light
Haarlem’s nightlife was regularly put in a bad light this year. During the first edition of the event, the organization had to exclude a club owner from the activities, because a few girls accused him of sexually transgressive behavior. This Martijn B. is now indictedbut has yet to appear in court.
The introduction of the coveted pilot with free closing times also did not go smoothly. The municipality and the catering industry wanted to allow the nightlife crowd to go home spread out over the night, in order to limit the inconvenience to local residents. However, they did not believe in that effect, because it could hardly be enforced. The right the local residents were right in their criticism, which is why the catering industry in Smedestraat is now returning fixed closing times must keep.
Go out safely
During the Week of the Night, a number of events have been organized that address these themes. For example, on Thursday evening there is a meeting where Haarlem residents can share unpleasant experiences without prying eyes and where they can talk to the organization of the event about how going out can feel safe again.
The theme of ‘safe night’ also receives extensive attention on the talk show in the Patronaat on Tuesday evening. There, the police catering coordinator will talk to Koninklijke Horeca Haarlem, a club owner and an event organizer.
During those conversations, opinions will not always be unanimous. For example, the municipality wants the catering industry in Haarlem to help pay for so-called susteams, which the café owners in turn do not like.
Night parade
In addition to all the serious matters, every activity ends with a festive ending until late at night. The Week of Night comes to an end on Saturday evening with the Night Parade. All kinds of parties are also organized throughout the city.