The Stadspark in Groningen will once again play host to the Rapalje Zomerfolk Festival on 9 and 10 June.
Translation by Traci White
Headliners this year are Celtic-influenced acts like the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, The Kilkennys and the Groningen-based band after whom the folk festival is named, Rapalje.
The Groninger Internet Courant writes that the festival has become a staple of the summer festival scene in Groningen. Rapalje features a kid’s area, a pub for the grown-ups, plenty of space for visitors to dance to the music, a 5-meter-tall barbecue, a number of workshops, including Irish and Scottish dancing and sword fighting, and, of course, fun-loving performances by folks acts from across Europe.
Other acts include Hoppah, Acting the Maggot, Ganiam, The Highland Sell-Outs, The Freelancers, The Doggy Few, Sunfire, Lotta Walda and Flannery. Tickets for the full weekend are available for 25 euros, and tickets for Saturday or Sunday cost 17.50 and 12.50, respectively. Check out all the headlining acts below.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers
This year’s edition is particularly special thanks to a performance by the Scotland-based Red Hot Chilli Pipers, one of the best known bagpipes bands in the world. The group is famous for their sets combining traditional Celtic tunes with contemporary hits, like “We Will Rock You” by Queen and “Wake Me Up” by Avicii. The band counts quite a famous names among their fans, including Ewan McGregor, Sir Paul McCartney, Queen Elizabeth and Samuel L. Jackson.
The Kilkennys
Irish folk and ballad act The Kilkennys has been performing together since 1998. The band follows in the tradition of Irish acts like The Dubliners and The Clancy Brothers, and their performances feature a wide range of folk instruments, from the banjo to the bodhran.
Rapalje
Rapalje was founded in Groningen and released their first album 20 years ago, and 2018 marks the sixth edition of the popular festival.