Free State of Stellingen Festival
14 – 15 September 2019
Basic Information
When: 14 – 15 September 2019
Where: Appelscha, Netherlands
Festival Website: vrijstaatdestellingen.nl
Hotels: Hotels in Appelscha
About Free State of Stellingen Festival, Appelscha
This charming festival reclaims the time when the municipality of Ooststellingwerf existed as a Free Nation from 1300 to 1500.
Denizens were conferred the unusual position of not having to serve a duke or king.
Instead “directors” were chosen from the region’s villages to administer things.
The first ever festival was inaugurated in 2017
– marking the 500th anniversary of Ooststellingwerf as a state – with a Medieval party on the streets of the northern town of Appelscha featuring encampments, archers, street acts, music and special Medieval treats.
Food & Drink, Music and Entertainments
For two days, participants are taken back 500 years years to celebrate the old Free State in the northern part of Netherlands.
The area is located in the province known as Friesland.
The 2017 festival included presidential elections where only the children voted!
As a result, Tibbe the Cat was bestowed the honour.
The other candidates? Tabby the horse and Bo the dog.
Children are also given a history lesson about the times in which people lived with a special music program that blends past facts with folk music.
While hewing to the specific facets of its history, this festival has a light, tongue-in-cheek quality.
For Your Enjoyment
In celebrating its 200-year free-state period, soup is served in bread bowls and all food and drinks are local and organic.
Organizers have strived to minimize waste — which is actually in keeping with present times.
Beer is also ‘pure’ and without chemicals, drinks are served in glass jars or recycled containers while all libations and edibles are paid with special free state coins, which you purchase.
Musicians only play acoustic instruments and decorations are from second-hand materials or are biodegradable.
Have sustainable fun!
Places to stay and Hotel Tips
This pet-friendly accommodation in Oosterwolde is only about a 10-minute drive to the festival. Bolstered by a sauna, fitness centre and bar.
You’ll also have quick access to the bigger towns of Groningen (31 km) and Leeuwarden (41 km).
More from The Netherlands
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Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, The Netherlands, 26 – 28 June 2020
Rotterdam in The Netherlands
Bospop Festival in Weert, The Netherlands 10 – 12 July 2020
Medieval Festival in Ter Apel, The Netherlands, 5 – 6 September 2020
Holland International Blues Festival in Grolloo, 11 – 13 June 2020
Keukenhof, Spring and Flower Festival, 2020 (Cancelled)
Bloemencorso Flower Parade Bollenstreek in Netherlands 2020 Cancelled
Amsterdam Coffee Festival 2020 (Postponed – new dates tba)
Hello Festival, Retro Pop in Emmen, The Netherlands, 6 – 7 June 2020
Pinkpop in Megaland-Landgraaf, The Netherlands, 19 – 21 June 2020
Dauwpop Festival Pop & Rock in Hellendoorn, 29 May 2021
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