Subsidy for 30 Events Until 2028

The new policy ensures a diverse and broad range of events in the city. Recurring subsidies are granted to events such as Bevrijdingspop, Kings Day, Keti Koti, Pride, and the Sinterklaas parade. Other events like the Baseball Week, Haarlem Comic Days, and Gluren bij de Buren have also been positively evaluated. Additionally, newcomers such as the Vinyl Festival, Haarlem Live, and Dance Days receive support from the budget.

A total of 43 applications were received. The available budget was 20ac2,250,000, while requests exceeded 20ac3.3 million. Therefore, choices had to be made.

 

The plans of two events that received subsidies in previous years – the Spaarnestad Concert and the Wood Festival – were rated lower than other applications. These events will not receive subsidies for the next three years. The municipal executive understands that this will cause disappointment among involved organizations and visitors but follows the advice of the independent committee.

The budget requested by the Flower Parade exceeded the remaining available funds. The Flower Parade has UNESCO status and is a regional event with significant national and international appeal. Preparations for the 2026 edition are already underway. The municipal executive is seeking a solution to supplement the 2026 budget. For 2027 and 2028, other sources of support will be sought. The municipal executive will discuss this with the Flower Parade organization.

Since June 2025, a new events policy with new rules and an independent external advisory committee has been in effect. Applications are assessed based on their significance for the city, quality, livability, sustainability, organization, and reach. Consideration is also given to distribution over time and locations and diversity of target groups. Subsidies are now granted for three years. This provides organizers with more certainty and ensures a lively yet livable city.