Brunssum celebrates 80 years of liberation and freedom
In September 2024, we will celebrate 80 years of living in freedom.
We will celebrate this freedom during a liberation weekend, from Thursday 19 September to Sunday 22 September 2024.
Thursday, 19 September 2024
The Netherlands Customs Orchestra, conducted by Björn Bus, gives a liberation concert in the Open Air Theatre. The orchestra is accompanied by soloist Brigitte Heitzer.
Prior to the concert there will be an introductory program, with hostess Sijtje. This introduction tells the story of the liberation of Brunssum in September 1944, with films, poems and diary excerpts.
The program starts at 7:30 p.m. The concert ends around 10:15 p.m. Admission is free.
Friday, September 20, 2024
Speakers at the conference include Natascha van Weezel, documentary filmmaker and columnist for Het Parool, and Professor Emile Schrijver, director of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam. Contributions will also be made by Ton Hermes (American Cemetery Margraten) and Jack van Oppen (Stichting Worldfestival Parade).
Parallel to the congress, a youth debate will take place, in which pupils from schools in the Euregion will debate with each other about ‘freedom in the 21st century’.
The conference starts at 13.00 hrs. Admission is free. However, registration is required. The walk-in starts with a sandwich lunch at 12.00 noon. Will you participate? Please mention this when registering.
Saturday, 21 September 2024
Saturday, 21 September 2024At 11:30 a.m., the opening of Veterans Day will take place on Lindeplein, with speeches, wreath-laying, flag-raising and the Last Post.
From 13:00 onwards, the veterans’ parade will pass through the centre of Brunssum, with international platoons of veterans, marching bands and military vehicles.
In the afternoon, live bands will perform on the Lindeplein, with music by Music 4 Vets, the Petticoats and Somethin’ Fresh. DJ Jeroen will present this program full of music from 1.30 pm.
The festival ends around 18:00. Admission is free.
Sunday 22 September 2024
In the Brikke Oave you can listen to a Liberation Concert from 15.00 hrs.
The concert will be performed by various Brunssum choirs: Podlasie, the Brunssum Men’s Choir BMK, the Pareltjes, Jokola and the Rumpens Men’s Choir RMK. The concert will end around 5:30 p.m. with a joint performance by the five choirs.
Admission is free. The hall is open from 2.30 pm.
