And we will immediately share how you can enjoy it yourself!
Tomorrow is finally the day. After the thunderous party in Rotterdam last year, tomorrow Emmen will be the festive stage for the celebration of King’s Day. This is what awaits the Oranjes.
Oranges in Drenthe
After the Queen’s Day celebration in 2002 in Hoogeveen in Meppel, it is the first time in more than twenty years that the Oranjes will return to Drenthe for the festive day. When it was announced that Emmen had the honor of organizing the orange-colored party this year, it was already shared: “The municipality, together with the province, wants to organize a party that fits the Drenthe scale. Both in size and in terms of costs.”
However, that does not mean that the royal party has to be bored tomorrow. There is plenty of fun on the program for King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and the rest of the guests.
Nine squares
The royal walk starts at 11 a.m. and leads past a total of nine ‘squares’ in the city. After the starting square, follow the Dance Square, Birthday Square, Culture Square, Games Square, Innovation Square, Sports Square, Wildlands and the Atlas Theater, and the Raadhuisplein Meezingplein, where the day ends in a festive manner.
1. Starting square
Because Drenthe offers beautiful cycling through the heathlands and cycling events take place regularly, the Oranjes are accompanied by a platoon of cyclists to the Noorderplein. This is the starting point of the royal route, and here the official reception takes place by all kinds of prominent figures, including the King’s Commissioner Jetta Klijnsma. Singer Bouke Scholten, ‘the Emmense Elvis’, provides music for the kick-off of the program.
From here the royals walk to Noorderstraat, where the rich history of Emmen is discussed. This part ends with a fashion show in which history and future merge in a strong example of couture.
2. Dance Square
This is followed by the dazzling Dance Square, where classical dance, break dancing, folk dancing and Afro dance come together. Thirteen different dance groups show how all boundaries fade on the dance floor. Who knows: will we also see the Oranjes getting their feet wet here?
3. Birthday Square
King Willem-Alexander is of course not the only one who has something to celebrate on April 27. On the Birthday Square, 250 birthday guests celebrate with the monarch. From other Emmen residents on their birthday to people who have been rewarded with a ribbon for their commitment to society: they all toast with the king. Moreover, you can enjoy a dazzling performance here in Drenthe style: the king of pirate music, Jannes, provides the music here.
4. Culture Square
After a snack and a drink it is time for a visit to the Rensenpark, where art, culture and innovation are central. Here the Oranjes are invited to show their creative side, and a unique performance is on the program in which theater, dance and song merge into a ‘unique northern collaboration’.
5. Game square
According to the organization, this is ‘time for action’. Led by well-known radio DJs Jorien Renkema and Jordi Warners, various teams from primary schools in the region compete against each other in a thunderous battle for ‘eternal Emmen glory’. The Oranges are also challenged to show how much they know about the region. With our fanatical royals, this of course bodes well!
6. Innovation Square
The Innovation Square, where the reuse of plastic is central, is of course right up the alley of our eco-conscious king. Emmen is one of the world leaders in this area, thanks to the efforts of NHL Stenden, among others. This is also beautifully depicted with a square of more than a thousand 3D-printed flowers made of circular plastics. Floral!
7. Sports square
If the Dutch did not win on the Spelplein, they will get a second chance on the Sports Square. Football is played here and enthusiasts can take part in a penalty shoot-out. A bit difficult on pumps, perhaps, but whatever. Fortunately, you can also enjoy a game of handball at the Sports Square, as well as the world shuffleboard champion, Elly Mensen, who comes from Emmen. Who knows which Dutch team will walk away with sporting glory.
8. Wildlands and the Atlas Theater
The penultimate point is ‘the pride of Emmen’ on the programme: the famous Emmen zoo, Wildlands. Here you will also find the Atlas Theater, where the grand King’s Day concert took place last Monday. These two locations together form ‘the showpiece of the city’.
9. Raadhuisplein Meezingplein
Such a festive route must of course be concluded properly, and this will be done with a grand sing-a-long on the Raadhuisplein. Here is a performance by Drenthe pride Daniël Lohues and his band. Conductor Reinout Douma of the Noordpool Orchestra, together with those present, ends the day well with the Wilhelmus, sung by Rosa da Silva, as the highlight.
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Weather
In addition, we would of course like to know what the weather will actually be like tomorrow. Although the temperatures are fortunately a bit higher than last week’s chilly weather, it seems that the Oranjes had better bring their umbrellas and ponchos tomorrow. Various showers are predicted. Fingers crossed that the Royal party will stay a little dry!
Enjoy at home
If Emmen is not next door – or you simply don’t feel like braving the showers – then fortunately there is good news. The royal walk will be broadcast live on NPO1. At 8:35 PM you can also enjoy the broadcast of the King’s Day concert on NPO2.
Of course, Glamial will ensure that you are updated tomorrow about the most beautiful outfits of our royals, the best moments, and the best highlights. So keep an eye on our website!
Source: Koningsdaginemmen.nl | Image: NL Image
