Discover Bach as you have never heard him before during the Bach Festival. Put on your running shoes and run a record time during the Zoomer Wantijrun. And show your creative side during the new event Culture on the corner.
June has something for everyone.
Culture on the corner
Grab a brush and paint with us! The new event Culture on the corner offers a platform for the many art and culture associations that our city is rich in. "On the initiative of the municipality of Dordrecht, this event was established to give amateur art associations more visibility in the city," says Peggy Merison of the organising ToBe Project Bureau. On that day, the participating associations open their doors to interested parties and there is music all day in the city centre. Amateur photographers exhibit their work in the Stadsbibliotheek, and visitors can get to work themselves if they wish. "Painting association Studio '76 will let all passers-by pick up a brush and together make a beautiful painting. It promises to be a very fun day with a full programme."
Nobel's Whit Breakfast: connecting residents
After two years of absence, it is possible again. The longest breakfast table in the country will be set up again in the historic streets of Dordrecht on Whit Monday (6 June). "So nice that this is possible again, we are really looking forward to it", says Willemijn Nobel of Nobel's Bread. "This breakfast table is everything Nobel's stands for, namely connecting the residents of Dordrecht." Tickets for the breakfast 'with the most beautiful decor in the Netherlands' cost €15 and can be purchased via the Nobel's website. "The proceeds go to charity. This charity is not yet known, it will in any case be a local charity."
Surprising collaborations at Bach Festival
"Anything but predictable," is how Janko Duinker describes the Bach Festival that he co-organises. "We were able to invite the international top again this year, which is great. Like Olivier Latry, organist of Notre Dame and the Norwegian Soloist' Choir." In addition, local amateurs and young talent will perform their musical talents during daily lunch concerts. During the festival, you will be surprised by Bach's music, presented in different ways. "We hardly ask the musicians to just do their own thing, but provide surprising collaborations and new, contemporary compositions. We are a real music festival and in the field of classical music perhaps the most surprising." Tickets for the various concerts are on sale at www.bachfestivaldordrecht.nl.
Every (summer) fair is a party!
There is no better way to kick off the Dordrecht summer than at the Summer Fair. Ruud de Dreu, fairground organiser for the Municipality of Dordrecht, is pleased that around 40 fairground attractions are once again being placed on the Spuiboulevard. "There is entertainment for young and old again. This year, the funhouse will be 32 metres long, which is new to Dordrecht. The organisation hopes to welcome many visitors again this year. "Every fair is a local party. We have noticed this in the past editions in Dubbeldam and Stadspolders. People have really missed it in recent years." The grounds of the Dordrecht Summer Fair are open to everyone free of charge; for the attractions, you buy a ticket on the spot.
Zoomer Wantijrun sporty and social
Run along the refreshing Wantij on a warm pre-summer evening with a golden glow on your shoulders. The Zoomer Wantijrun is perhaps one of the most beautiful running events in Dordrecht. This year, the fourth edition of this sporting event will again start from the Fortius athletics track. Athletes can choose a 5 or 10 kilometre round or the 10 English mile (16.1 km). "It promises to be a sporty and fun event with a cheerful welcome at the finish, music and a drink," says the organisation. "As a real estate agent from Dordrecht, I am proud to see so many people enjoying our city and the surrounding nature. Apart from the sporting challenge, it is also a social occasion," says initiator Edwin Zoomer of Zoomer Makelaardij.
Inner city at its best during the Shopping Night
Shop till you drop! During the Shoppingnight you have all the time to score a new outfit or find the perfect gift. The shops will be open until 10 pm on that Thursday. "The first edition in 2019 was a great success," says Remco Gravendijk, quartermaster of the Dordrecht city centre at Promotie Ondernemers Binnenstad Dordrecht (POBD). "Some 250 shops were open until late then. We expect even more entrepreneurs to participate and put the Dordrecht city centre on the map as a shopping destination in the region." During the Shopping Night there are not only longer opening hours, entrepreneurs also surprise visitors with fun promotions. "Not necessarily discount offers, but real experience offers. Think of a cocktail shaker in the shop or performances by musicians. On this Thursday night, we show the city centre from its best side."
