Amsterdam’s New Event Policy Faces Criticism

Amsterdam’s newly introduced event policy is sparking debate among festival organizers and residents, with both groups expressing concerns over its implications. While the policy aims to diversify events, distribute them evenly across the city, and involve residents in planning, critics argue that it could lead to logistical headaches, a heavier bureaucracy, and environmental and sustainability challenges.

What’s Changing?

Under the new policy, adjustments have been made to the allocation of festival locations. For example, Flevopark in Oost will now host three large-scale events annually, compared to one previously. However, visitor capacity for these events will be reduced from 15,000 to 10,000.

Touria Meliani, the city alderman behind this policy change, says the revision is meant to open up opportunities for new events and creators. “We hope to make festivals more inclusive and share spaces more thoughtfully,” she explained.

Organizers Speak Out

Despite this vision, seasoned festival organizers for festivals in Amsterdam have raised significant concerns.

Coen van Dongen, founder of the Mystic Garden Festival, feels the policy may unintentionally harm those who’ve delivered events for years. He noted, “This plan prioritizes opportunities for new organizers, which sounds great on paper. But for smaller, existing players, having to pitch plans each year is not only inefficient, it’s unsustainable.”

Kevin Bonet, operational director of Loveland festival, shares similar frustrations about increased restrictions. “Over the past decade, new regulations have piled on,” he said. “The current location changes feel like yet another blow that ramps up logistical challenges without considering their long-term impact on accessibility.”

Both organizers for Mystic Garden and Loveland festival stressed that continuity and experience are irreplaceable factors in hosting safe, high-quality events.

Residents Share Concerns Too

When it comes to festivals in Amsterdam, local resident groups are voicing concerns about the policy’s environmental impact. The Friends of the Flevopark group, headed by Martine Lijtes, opposes the revised capacity for events. “Hosting 10,000 people per event, even just three times a year, disrupts biodiversity and the tranquility that Flevopark provides. Plus, the preparations alone—including trucks transporting equipment—cause damage that takes time to repair.”

Lijtes added that while the policy might reduce events in total, the strain on nature isn’t necessarily lessened. Residents feel the balance between urban enjoyment and conservation is still skewed.

Where Do We Go From Here?

This debate highlights the city’s challenge of finding a middle ground between fostering a dynamic cultural landscape and preserving public spaces. While the policy has noble intentions, its current execution has many stakeholders questioning its feasibility and fairness.

Meliani’s team emphasizes that this is a work in progress, encouraging continued dialogue with organizers and residents alike.
For now, Amsterdam’s cultural and natural ecosystems hang in the balance as the city grapples with crafting solutions for its future festivals.