Get your dancing shoes ready, because this year Big Rivers is celebrating its 25th anniversary! For a quarter of a century, this music festival conquered the hearts of music lovers and now it is time to look back at the amazing journey the festival has taken and look ahead to this year's spectacular edition.
Photo Patricia Bollen
From July 7 to 9, the party erupts in Dordrecht's historic city center.
Funniest free music festival in town!
Remember how it all began? Just one stage on the Groothoofd, one day of blues music and a handful of enthusiastic visitors. What started as a small-scale event has grown into a multi-day musical spectacle, with diverse genres and an incredible 150,000 festival-goers. Liselotte Gatzen of Big Rivers Foundation is proud. "Big Rivers is truly a party for everyone. Over the years, the festival has grown nicely. Although we planned to celebrate this 25th anniversary in a big way, in two years we will be packing out a bigger event, because due to the pandemic, this year will only be the 23rd edition."
Photo Frank Bogers
An abundance of musical treasures
But rest assured, this year's program is still full of musical treasures. High-quality bands take the stage and there is something for everyone. Whether you like Dutch hits, jazz music or classics from the Top 2000. Successful bands that have been around for years, emerging talent and regional artists who shine more than ever on stage: Big Rivers is the place you want to be this summer. Liselotte explains enthusiastically, "What makes this festival extra special is the togetherness you feel. During the event, people meet each other, see old acquaintances again and celebrate their passion for music and friendship together. It's a real party for everyone, young and old! We even have an extensive children's square. Many people plan their vacations around Big Rivers simply because they want to be there. And as soon as the event is over, people are already asking about next year's dates. That's saying something, right?"
Photo by Jan de Blaey
Welcome to the city
Speaking of that downtown, most of the Dordrians who live there are very supportive of Big Rivers, according to Liselotte. "We are very welcome in the city and that's great. Of course residents are also bothered by us, because there is a lot of hassle on their doorstep, but Big Rivers is definitely supported by the inner city residents. We do everything we can to limit the inconvenience, but of course visitors can help with that too. Garbage in the trash can, as well as urinating in public, just don't do it!" Not surprisingly, it gets busier every year at Big Rivers, which, by the way, is still free to attend. But free of course does not exist, to ensure that we can all continue to enjoy the festival, this year the action 'penny for a band' was started again. You can already participate via the website but also during the event by means of QR codes that you will find everywhere. Will we see you at Big Rivers?
Photo Danny van der Weck
