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Groningen's Relief or Bommen Berend Agenda 2024
Why Do We Celebrate Groningen's Relief or Bommen Berend in Groningen?
Groningens Relief, also known as "Bommen Berend," is an annual festival celebrated on August 28th in the city of Groningen. The event commemorates the successful defense of the city against the troops of the Bishop of Münster, Bernhard von Galen, in 1672.
Carl von Rabenhaupt
The bishop, nicknamed "Bommen Berend" because of his use of explosives, besieged Groningen during the Disaster Year, when the Dutch Republic was attacked by several countries. Despite a month-long siege and heavy bombardments, the citizens of Groningen, led by Carl von Rabenhaupt, managed to repel the attack.
The Celebration of Bommen Berend
Today, the event is celebrated with parades, music, fairs, and fireworks. It is an important part of Groningen's cultural heritage, symbolizing the resilience and unity of the city in times of adversity. Learn more about the history at de Verhalen van Groningen.
AGENDA Groningens Relief- 2024
August 21-28: Fair at Grote Markt
All day - Fair with attractions such as roller coasters and boosters
Grote Markt – Click HERE for opening hours
Sunday, August 25
16:45 - Community Singing
17:00 - Start of the festive ecumenical memorial service
Martinikerk, Martinikerkhof 3 – FREE entry
Monday, August 26
19:30 – 20:30 (Doors open at 19:00)
"Beno Hofman Lecture" by Drs. Jochem Abbes on the history of Groningen, organized by Volksuniversiteit Groningen
Doopsgezinde Kerk, Oude Boteringestraat 33 – FREE entry
Register via www.vugroningen.nl
Tuesday, August 27
15:30 - Bommen Berend Youth Theater – Try-out
19:30 - Bommen Berend Youth Theater – PREMIERE
Museum aan de A, Brugstraat 24 – Free entry
Pre-registration required via this link!!
20:00 - NNO Groningens Relief Concert
Ossenmarkt – FREE entry
Wednesday, August 28: Day Program
09:00 - 09:15 Bell ringing at the Martinitoren
09:30 - 10:00 Wreath-laying at the bust of Rabenhaupt at Waagplein
11:30 - 12:00 August 28th Groningens Relief, by Jelle Brandt Corstius
RUG/Academy Building, Broerplein - FREE entry
09:30 – 17:00 - Barrel organs at care institutions in Groningen City, Haren, and Ten Boer
10:00 – 11:00 - Carillonneur Martinitoren
11:00 - 13:00 - Street organ, various locations in the city center
09:30 - 16:00 Re-enactors
Various locations in the city center, including Waagplein at 09:30
14:00 Horse inspection at the Ossenmarkt
Wednesday, August 28: Afternoon Program
12:15 - 16:00 Public Academy/Flash Lectures, Theme: Freedom and Resilience
RUG/Academy Building, Broerplein - FREE entry, more information via RUG
12:00 - 20:00 Bommen Berend Rotary Terrace, Near Akerk, side Munnekeholm
13:00 - 17:00 Children's Festival with games, bounce houses, face painting, and Clown Joepie
Reitemakersrijge
13:30 - 16:30 Shanty Choir Tolbert at Westerhaven
14:00 - 16:15 Horse inspection at the Ossenmarkt, followed by the horse races
15:30 - 16:30 Brass band “The Young Ones” on Martini Square
16:00 - 17:00 City Hall Concert, Grote Markt - FREE entry
16:30 - 18:00 Bommen Berend Battle - FC Groningen vs. BV Veendam at Noordlease Stadium
Wednesday, August 28: Evening Program
20:00 - 22:00 Shanty Choir Tolbert at Brouwerij Brouwerscafe in the Eastern Port area
20:00 - 00:00 Singing and Dancing on the Vismarkt (Fish Market)
20:00 - 23:59 Music with DJ’s, Salsa, and Latin on the Poeleplein
22:15 - 22:30 Fireworks at The Dyke, near Kattenbrug (Best viewing point: Ossenmarkt)
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