The Future
Festivals and events at industrial heritage sites
You can see them rising above the tall grasslands during a drive through the region: the brick factory chimneys of abandoned factory buildings. strokartonfabriek De Toekomst former strokartonfabriek De Toekomst in Scheemda was, for a long time, another such somewhat desolate-looking reminder of the industrial revolution. Until recently, that is, because De Toekomst lives on as a characterful events venue.
Industrial character
The old strawboard factory is simply too interesting to demolish. That might have been hard to see when the machines were left to rust amongst the young trees springing up in droves in the empty halls. But such an eye-catcher in the landscape, which also serves as a reminder of this region’s grain-farming past, surely has to be put to good use. Everything was repaired, preferably retaining the old, industrial look and feel. No stripping it back and starting from scratch: the steam boilers, millstones and drive wheels are precisely what give the factory hall its authentic charm.
A Future for De Toekomst
In the industrial atmosphere, quirkiness comes into its own. Think of a foodtruck festival or an immense regional market. A fair with a contrary touch. Or an artistic festival. For instance, the first edition of alternative music festival Grasnapolsky in the factory hall of De Toekomst was a great success. Atmospheric and rough. It suits Groningen well.
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