Europe's pop capital for 40 years
In 2026, Eurosonic Noorderslag will celebrate its 40th anniversary. What once started as a modest festival has grown into a leading stage for Dutch and European pop music. Groningen became the place where young artists took their first steps and new music could be discovered. For decades, ESNS has been the breeding ground for talent and this jubilee year the festival is dedicated to 'Europe Calling'.
40 years back
It all started in January 1986, when Groningen hosted the first edition of Noorderslag. Originally, it was part of the Holland-Belgium festival, a competition between bands from the two countries. Groningen was deliberately chosen: bands could present themselves at a new venue and Groningers could discover new music. The first editions of the festival featured mainly local and Frisian acts. They competed against the rest of the Netherlands. With about 1,500 visitors, it seemed modest, but it provided opportunities for talent that was often overlooked in other places.
From small festival to pop capital of Europe
In the 1990s, Noorderslag grew into the premier festival for Dutch pop music. It attracted tens of thousands of visitors and the name gained more and more weight in the music world. In 1999 it was joined by Eurosonic, Noorderslag's international sister. Eurosonic introduced European acts and put Groningen on the map as a stepping stone for international artists to break through.
These days, ESNS combines the discovery of new European talent with the celebration of established Dutch names through Noorderslag. The Pop Prize, awarded annually since its inception, highlights the rich diversity of Dutch music and Groningen's role as the heart of pop innovation.
Groningen saw them first
Many musicians who are now world-famous took their first steps at ESNS. International acts such as Calvin Harris (2008), Dua Lipa (2016), and Nothing But Thieves (2016) have performed in Groningen. They have since had global hits and become icons within their genre. Dutch names also found a stage at ESNS. In 1999, for instance, the band Racoon performed, known for hits like"Ocean" and"Het Is Al Laat Toch". Krezip also performed that year, just before their famous performance at Pinkpop in 2000. It is extraordinary to think that all these artists once started on Groningen stages.
Artists performing this year
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Bente
Bente impresses with her warm voice and honest songwriting. She recently shone in Beste Zangers, where she proved again how beautiful vulnerability sounds with her hit 'Can you see me' . You could say that her voice is a promising one in Dutch pop music.
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Katarsis
If you're talking about an alternative rock band, you're talking about Katarsis. This band from Lithuania represented their country at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, where they managed to finish 16th in the final.
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Dear Omen
Dear Omen is an Amsterdam-based gothic rock band with an intense, dark sound. Their music combines heavy, melodic riffs with compelling vocals. Live, they create an explosive and unforgettable atmosphere that does full justice to their style.
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Isak Benjamin
This 21-year-old Swedish talent has been selected as one of Spotify's Artists To Watch in 2025 . With his fresh, distinctive voice, Isak Benjamin is an internationally emerging artist and a promising name in the music world.
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Jonna Fraser
Jonna Fraser is a Dutch singer-songwriter with a passion for performing. He has already done more than 1,600 vibrant shows and three sold-out tours. In Groningen, he will also make it a party at ESNS.
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Cordelia
Cordelia is an up-and-coming British artist. She stands out with her dreamy indie pop and recognisable lyrics. With her clear voice and indie-pop sound, she is quickly carving out her own place among the new batch of British singer-songwriters.
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Goldkimono
This Dutch band released its third and most personal album in June. Known for its warm-sounding and catchy music, Goldkimono wrote audience favourites such as 'To Tomorrow' and 'I'm in Heaven'.
