In 2025, Dordrecht will celebrate 80 years of freedom with an impressive program full of commemoration, music, stories and education. From silent reflection to festive performances: the city invites everyone to reflect together on the past and celebrate today's freedom. More information: www.indordrecht.nl/uitagenda/80-jaar-vrijheid
A sampling of the May 5 program:
Commemoration in Merwestein Park
From 10 a.m. to noon, a solemn commemoration will take place at the War & Liberation Monument "The Tree of Life" by Hans Petri in Merwestein Park. During this ceremony the liberation fire will be lit, followed by a speech by the mayor and musical accompaniment by Jubal.
Liberation music festival in Statenplein
From 2 p.m., Statenplein will be buzzing with a varied music program:
- 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Workshop Music with Children - Jong Jubal
- 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.: Bill Bounders Orchestra & Maggie Monroe perform swinging arrangements from the liberation era
- 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Performance by BRASSOciety
- 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Second performance by BRASSOciety
- 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.: Closing performance by Night Flight
Dordtissimo Scratch concert in the Grote Kerk
At 6:30 p.m., the scratch choir Dordtissimo will give a special concert in the Grote Kerk. Led by conductor Danny Nooteboom, classical works will be performed, interspersed with stories about freedom by Ilse van Donkelaar of Stichting Voorlezen. Admission is free.
