On Bommen Berend, Groningens Ontzet or Twenty-eighth we celebrate that the bishop of Münster Bernard von Galen gave up his siege on Groningen in 1672. After he and his troops had occupied the Groningen province for a month, they withdrew. The bishop was popularly known as Bommen Berend because he made extensive use of bombs shot by cannons. This caused enormous damage within the city walls. So his withdrawal is all the more reason for a big celebration. On Sunday 24, Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 August, there is plenty to do in City.
Fair
The first festivities surrounding the celebration of the Relief of Groningen begin with the opening of the fair on Wednesday 20 August. Once again this year, the traditional nine-day fair can be found on and around the Grote Markt in the heart of the city. Who will you do a round of roller coaster or booster with?
Sunday, 24 August
The Martini Church will host a festive ecumenical memorial service on Sunday 24 August. It will last an hour and start at 17:00. With 'peace is the way' as its theme, it promises to be a beautiful service. To commemorate, celebrate and dwell together on the freedom in Groningen. So hard-won in 1672 and for many today still something to work for.
Wednesday, 27 August
On Wednesday 27 August, you can sleep in as the first activity does not start until 15:30. The Bommen Berend Youth Theatre will then play two performances in the courtyard of the Museum aan de A. They tell the story of Zwaantje and Tammo, who together with their friends resist the violence of Bommen Berend.
Drs Jochem Abbes will give the historically-tinged 'Beno Hofman lecture' in the Mennonite Church on Oude Boteringestraat. This lecture, organised by the Volksuniversiteit Groningen, is about the history of Groningen and is a tribute to the well-known Groningen city historian Beno Hofman, who died in 2023.
