ZOMERfestival is coming!

What started as a celebration of the end of the academic year for TU students and staff has evolved into something much bigger. Anoeshka Ishwardat, an employee of TU Delft Sports & Culture, says that last year was the first time the festival was opened to the public. Ishwardat is the project leader in charge of festival production this year. “We want to create a bridge between the city of Delft and the university,” she says. “And putting the festival together shows cooperation between many departments at the university.”

Ishwardatsays that this year the focus of the festival will be on music. There will be four stages with live performances including hip-hop, rock, pop, world music, DJs, disco and what organizers are calling “a spectacular TU Delft show.” Some of the artists performing include Dio, Fresku, Handsome Poets, Kees van Hondt, Memphis Maniacs, Mister and Mississippi, Miss Montreal and The Kik. And returning from last year will be the party band la Pegatina.

 In addition to the music, there will be a science island where scientists from TU Delft showcase the latest developments in science, technology and sustainability. The first steps towards a closed nutrient cycle will be taken during the ZOMERfestival. For example, GFT wastewater using algae will be converted into bio-gas and clean water, after which the bio-gas can be re-used to produce food.

There will also be a number of “side acts” where festival goers can participate in hands on art and technology related activities. Imagine yourself racing on a voice-powered giant tricycle or letting an artist “body paint” you using nothing but light. There will even be plenty of activities for kids, including face painting, giant Legos and a sand pit. The organizers of TEDx Delft will be holding auditions for speakers at the vent as well.

Last year organizers estimated there were about 4500 attendees and are expecting even bigger numbers this year. Ishwardat says that in the future the focus will be more on innovation and technology. But since the event has really become the pop festival of Delft, music will always be a part of it. “It’s about bringing science and entertainment together,” she states. “Technology can be fun and entertaining, too.”

People of all ages from Delft and the surrounding areas are welcome.Advance tickets can be purchased online for €15 through www.ticketscript.nl and via www.facebook.com/zfdelft. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for €20. Children under the age of 13 can enter for free. For more information about the festival visit www.zomerfestival.tudelft.nl.