Grasnapolsky

A festival with a quirky atmosphere in a place with a story, Grasnapolsky lets you enjoy, wonder and discover. In a former strawboard factory in the middle of nature, you will discover everything around art and music.

The annual four-day discovery festival Grasnapolsky moved from the Veluwe to Groningen's grain republic in 2019. With its 45-metre-high chimney, former strokartonfabriek De Toekomst in Scheemda is an iconic landmark in the vast landscape. The complex forms one of the last remnants of the region's once extensive strawboard industry. A unique location for a festival - a place to grab, embrace and never let go of the day, evening and night. A place to keep going. For music, art, inspiration and unlimited freedom.

Every year, Grasnapolsky chooses a theme. In 2023, for instance, the festival focused on the theme 'Everything Around You', which was eponymous to Lucky Fonz III's song. This year's theme is 'Ground To Stay'. It symbolises the deep connection with (East) Groningen.

Ever since Grasnapolsky established its roots in the East Groningen soil, the festival has felt hugely at home. The theme is the answer to the question 'Will you stay in Groningen?' An affirmation, a resounding yes. Groningen is so beautiful, with its sea of heritage, stories and landscapes. Grasnapolsky feels the urgency to show and tell much more of the beautiful North.

Again this year, Grasnapolsky's line-up is more innovative and diverse than ever. With artists representing a wide range of music styles and talent, there is something for everyone. This, combined with the quirky atmosphere that characterises Grasnapolsky, fun is guaranteed. This year, for instance, artist Lander is back again, this time with his project BeraadGeslagen. "The Flemish highlight that takes you on a journey from avant-garde jazz to glitchy ambient and campy 80s synths," says 3voor12 about Lander's 2019 performance. You will also find Astronaut, among others, at the festival. This artist, who is currently touring all over the Netherlands for the Popronde, dives deep into themes of love, sex and the cosmos with fragile and magically-ordinary songs.

Sam Heegstra, Grasnapolsky programmer: "With this announcement, we present a series of inspiring artists, each adding their own new sound to the constantly evolving musical landscape. Our aim is to offer these artists a stage where they can share their stories and emotions with an interested audience." Check out all the new names via the button below.

Festival Grasnapolsky originated in Utrecht back in 2010 and developed into a special discovery festival in the following years. The festival offers both indie and electronic music, trying to find a fine balance between better-known artists and new discoveries. There is also room for art, theatre and expeditions through the surroundings. A piece of reflection. And all with the rich history in mind. The factory and its surroundings are a common thread running through the festival, both in the music programme and in the art and expedition programme, the decoration and the design.

''It is a special place with a rich story that deserves to be told,'' says director Mariska Berrevoets. That starts at the venue itself. ''You are dancing to the music of today among the machines of the past,'' she continues. But so there is more than just music: the connection with the surroundings is great. For instance, there is both art and theatre directly linked to the history of the Grain Republic. By going on an expedition, for instance, you learn the story of the area in a fun, approachable way. ''With a huifkar from a farmer around the corner, you can go to the local gin factory. That's how it comes full circle.''