Top three festivals

Dive into the cultural deep end of the Netherlands, with a feast of film, art, music, storytelling and light in Leeuwarden, Friesland’s canal-woven, festival-loving capital

Amsterdam gets all the fuss, but just a couple of hours north, Leeuwarden is still riding high on the wave of being European Capital of Culture 2018. With a clutch of outstanding museums and winter festivals that innovate, enlighten and turn the spotlight on emerging artists, filmmakers, poets and musicians, the under-the-radar capital of Friesland moves to its own unique and progressive cultural beat.

EXPLORE THE NORTH

Fizzing with creative talent from Friesland and beyond, this festival brings music, literature, theatre and language to the fore in late November. Expect one-of-a-kind performances, from folk rock to electro and classical music, as well as audiovisual installations, poetry readings, children’s shows and o eat plays. Venues include unexpected locations all over Leeuwarden: previous years included an old soapworks, the ceramics museum cellar and the local historical society. explore-the-north.nl

NOORDELIJK FILM FESTIVAL

The pull of the north is irresistible at this winter film festival held in November. Zooming in on the cinematic landscapes of countries from the Netherlands to the UK, Scandinavia, Iceland and the Baltics, the programme reels out an incredible line-up of feature films and documentaries, from art-house to environmental, film noir to thriller. And with talks, competitions and live music, there’s plenty happening beyond the big screen, too. noordelijkfilmfestival.nl

DECEMBERLICHT

As Leeuwarden gets into full festive swing, the city sparkles with more than just the usual Christmas lights. This avant-garde festival shines a light on the Friesland capital with eye-catching projections that illuminate in every sense of the word. Expect poems projected onto the side of buildings, monuments ablaze with inspirational quotes and facades turned into film screens. Follow the light trail through the historic centre from late December to early January. decemberlicht.frl

Explore the North festival