or the Municipality of Utrecht, The Groundbreakers developed the city’s central New Year’s Eve countdown at Jaarbeursplein. With the event ‘Oud en vanaf nuuu’, the municipality aimed to introduce a new tradition: a safe, inclusive and connecting New Year’s celebration without fireworks, where residents of Utrecht could welcome the new year together.
The Groundbreakers created and produced a full evening programme with a distinct Utrecht identity. Local artists played a central role throughout the show. A specially designed stage, featuring two ten-metre-high Dom Tower structures, formed the visual centrepiece of the event, combined with LED screens, illuminated letters and a spectacular countdown show.
The evening kicked off with an interactive children’s countdown, hosted by Lucas van de Meerendonk, where children completed playful challenges together to work their way towards midnight. Later in the evening, the central countdown for the entire city took place, featuring music, entertainment and performances by Utrecht-based talent. During the spectacular finale, thousands of residents counted down together and experienced a memorable New Year’s Eve at Jaarbeursplein.
