Liberation Day in Leeuwarden

In Leeuwarden

Liberation Day

in Leeuwarden

will be celebrated and commemorated

On 4 May, we will commemorate the victims of World War II and on 5 May, we will celebrate our freedom. Therefore, the provincial commemoration and wreath laying ceremony will take place in Leeuwarden, in the Prinsentuin, on 4 May. During the Liberation Festival in Leeuwarden on 5 May, you can enjoy music, dance and theatre on the seven different stages, with the main stage on the Oldehoofsterkerkhof. It is important to reflect on what we have, because freedom is not something that can be taken for granted, even in 2023.

Provincial commemoration 4 May

On 4 May, Leeuwarden will host the provincial commemoration in the Prinsentuin, with a speech by Mayor Buma and music by Brass Band Hosannah, among others. At 8:00 pm, there will be two minutes of silence followed by wreath laying at the monument.

The full programme

Oldehoofsterkerkhof

Celebrate freedom at the Oldehoofsterkerkhof with a line-up of fantastic artists! This year, we can welcome Boaz and Tabitha as Ambassadors of Freedom.
Check the line-up

Check the line-up
Wissesdwinger

The Firda stage at the Wissesdwinger is the place for up-and-coming talent. Throughout the day, students will provide you with the best parties. With Fresku as the icing on the cake!

Check the Line-up
Noorderplantage

Take to the dance floor at the Noorderplantage with a broad line-up of the greatest artists such as: Johnny Loves Me, Traversurs, Renceau and more.

Check the line-up
Prinsentuin

Visit the Prinsentuin stage for children's festival acts, the NNO and the Soul of Ukraine, among others.

Check the line-up

Prinsentuin
Mata Hariplein

Dance for freedom on the Mata Hari Square! Together with De Markies, they will provide an awesome dance party with the hottest DJs. Like every year, the party is completely free of charge.

Check the line-up
Gouverneursplein

Also this year, you can fully enjoy the Liberation Festival on the Gouverneursplein. Enjoy a full programme of music, tasty snacks and drinks, and of course a healthy dose of conviviality!

Besides the seven stages that provide you with brilliant concerts and delightful parties, there is, of course, much more to do in the city centre of Leeuwarden. Explore the city centre, and enjoy lectures, art, fairs and much more during the Liberation Festival.

Prinsentuin - 1:15 pm - 1:45 pm

In the Prinsentuin (Prince's Garden park), Iven Cudogham will give his interactive kids' lecture at 1:15 pm. His lecture will be about how to find ultimate freedom.

More information
Keramiekmuseum Princessehof 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

On 5 May, in the Garden of Peace at the Princessehof Ceramics Museum, visitors can visit a Living Library and borrow a 'human book' free of charge to discuss prejudices and similarities. Some of these 'books' are part of the Freedom Now exhibition at the Fries Verzetsmuseum. (Frisian Resistance Museum)

More information
Keramiekmuseum Princessehof & Slieker

On 5 May, at the Liberation Festival Fryslân, student Oksana Fedorak has organised the project Eye to Eye with War, with two lectures and a workshop. Ukrainian artists share their personal (art) war stories.

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Dorpskerk HuiZum 4:00 pm

Geert Mak will deliver this year's 5 May Speech in the Dorpskerk Huizum (Huizum Village Church), titled ‘De Goede Oorlog’ (The Good War). A two-time ‘Historian of the Year’ and recipient of honorary doctorates and awards at home and abroad, he is a prominent Dutchman

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Groeneweg 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Go in search of that one cool record you didn't know you needed until you saw it here! From 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, you will find many gems that you have-to-have at this record fair.
Prinsentuin 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Out and about with the kids? Then a visit to the children's festival in the Prinsentuin is, of course, the place-to-be. Make your own poetry posters together with poets and illustrators.
Prinsentuin 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Media design students from ROC Friese Poort have created portraits on the theme of freedom, inspired by the Fries Verzetsmuseum (Frisian Resistance Museum). In cooperation with dbieb library, the portraits will be exhibited on the first square of the Blokhuispoort and will be on display at the Plein van de Vrijheid (Freedom Square) on 5 May.

More information

Living Library: Borrow a human book and engage in conversation

On 5 May, the Living Library will take place in the garden of the Princessehof as part of the Liberation Festival Friesland. Besides the opportunity to interact with human books, visitors are also invited to enjoy a cup of tea and genuine interest in the Princessehof garden. Feel free to drop by for a chat!

See the full programme

Leeuwarden is also easy to reach during Liberation Day, although we recommend you to come to the city by public transport or by bike. For the most up-to-date info and departure times, check Arriva and NS. Coming by car? Then check here for available parking spaces. Also handy: