NATIONAL OPENING OF THE LIBERATION DAY CELEBRATIONS
On 5 May, Utrecht hosted the National Launch of the Liberation Day Celebrations: the official starting point for celebrations across the Netherlands. Commissioned by Provincie Utrecht, The Groundbreakers developed and produced this national event around the annual theme ‘Understanding history’. In collaboration with the Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei, Gemeente Utrecht and Bevrijdingsfestival Utrecht, we brought together public officials, young people and community partners to reflect on the value of freedom.
The story of freedom
The day began at Utrecht University’s Academiegebouw, where guests were welcomed before the programme moved to the neighbouring Domkerk. Here, 400 public officials, partners and guests of all ages came together for a programme filled with personal stories, music, reflection and connection. An 18-metre-long catwalk, combined with the church’s existing raised platform, formed the setting for the event.
Loes van Overeem
The story of Red Cross worker Loes van Overeem at Kamp Amersfoort served as the central thread throughout the programme. Hosted by Brecht van Hulten, the programme featured contributions from Ad van Liempt and Nikki Sterkenburg, among others. Actress Nina Goedegebure brought the words of Loes van Overeem back to life, while Splinter Chabot delivered the traditional 5 May lecture. Musical and cultural performances by LAKSHMI, Duimalot and Young Jazz Society completed the programme. Young people from across the province also played an important role, creating a bridge between the past and what freedom means to new generations.
Celebrating and passing on freedom
With the Prime Minister and all mayors from the province of Utrecht in attendance, the national launch took on added significance. Afterwards, guests came together for a Freedom Meal, opened by chef Janny van der Heijden. From there, they continued to Bevrijdingsfestival Utrecht and other events across the country to celebrate freedom.
From creative concept development and storytelling to programming and full production, The Groundbreakers brought content and experience together in a national celebration connecting past, present and future.
“Van het ontwikkelen van de storyline tot aan de uitvoering: The Groundbreakers combineerden hun creativiteit met sterke expertise in productie. Het is een betrokken en professioneel team aan wie je de gehele productie kunt toevertrouwen. De samenwerking voor de Nationale Start Viering van de Bevrijding 2026 hebben wij als zeer prettig ervaren. Wij zijn tevreden met het eindresultaat!” – Elsbeth van Dijk, Provincie Utrecht
