IBB Fest returns after seven years

The eighth edition of the IBB Fest, which happened in 2018, suffered major financial losses due to bad weather and disappointing drink sales. The festival organisers were forced to halt the project altogether. At the time, they said they hoped other students living at IBB would pick up the tradition at some point.

After seven years, that time has come. “The ball started rolling when a few IBB residents proposed to set it up again. They had been living in the student complex for several years and only knew about the IBB Fest from hearsay," explains Silke Kamp, one of the new organisers.

She is one of those students who had never been to an IBB Fest. Her interest was immediately sparked when a roommate told her about the search for new initiators.

“We've been working on the festival for over a year and a half, almost two years. We are very much looking forward to D-Day. Some great artists will play. It's going to be a real party.”

Music performances
The festival will have something for everyone. The line-up features established names such as Dio and Yung Internet, as well as “young, diverse and local talent” such as the Utrecht-based DJ duo Press Enter to Space and the winner of the IBBBattle of the Bands, the Utrecht-based rock band Five Minute March.

Photo: Martin Hols

Bubble blowing show
In addition to live music, IBB Fest will also have theatre and dance performances, as well as visual arts. “The bonus programme includes a performance by a capoeira association and a bubble-blowing show. People can also have tooth gems made.” 

She underscores that the organisers are still looking for people interested in exhibiting their art. “We are also in talks with a dance association. There's a little bit of everything.”

The stages will be located on the two big fields of the student complex. The bonus programme will happen around it, where visitors will also find bars and food trucks.

Volunteers
The entire festival is organised by students, most of whom live at IBB. "Sixty to eighty people are working on the festival."

The organisation is still looking for volunteers. "We are mainly looking for bar staff. We also need volunteers for logistical work, such as distributing wristbands at the entrance or selling coins. Last but not least, we are looking for people who love technology and music to convert the stages between acts."

The festival is free and open to anyone over the age of 18. "Even though the festival was created for and by IBB residents, everyone is welcome. If you're in the mood for a fun cultural day, come to IBB Fest."