Simplon
Groningen has a vibrant cultural scene. One of its long-standing fixtures is Simplon. For over 40 years, it has been a place where unconventional artists take their first steps on stage. Let yourself be surprised by contemporary music with a touch of edginess here and there.
Punk in an old raincoat factory
Simplon s history is a turbulent one. It all started in the 1970s when the mackintosh factory of the same name on Boterdiep became vacant. Not much later, the building was squatted by a group of hippies and artists. They shaped Simplon into a music venue that kept up with popular musical trends. In the 1980s, for instance, it was the place to be for the punk culture that prevailed at the time. Although the foundation was on the verge of bankruptcy several times, thanks to its loyal audience and the municipality, it fortunately never came to that. Nowadays, they work closely with VERA, together providing a diverse musical offering.
