On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Vlissingen will once again be all about freedom during the Liberation Festival Zeeland. With a diverse program of music, encounters, and reflection, the festival brings thousands of visitors together to celebrate 81 years of freedom. The day opens with the annual Van Randwijk Lecture, which this year will be delivered by Geert Mak in the Sint Jacobskerk.
The Liberation Festival Zeeland has been a fixture on Liberation Day for years, combining celebration with substance. In a time when freedom is not a given, the festival invites dialogue, inspiration, and reflection – alongside a broad cultural and musical program in the heart of Vlissingen. The organization will soon announce the full program, one to be proud of.
Van Randwijk Lecture by Geert Mak
The Van Randwijk Lecture forms the substantive heart of Liberation Day in Zeeland. In the monumental Saint Jacob's Church, historian and author Geert Mak reflects on the theme of freedom, in light of both history and current events. With his characteristic sharpness and narrative power, Mak connects personal stories to major societal developments, prompting reflection on responsibility, democracy, and solidarity. The Van Randwijk Lecture is free to attend; registration is possible via www.bevrijdingsfestivalzeeland.nl
The lecture is named after Henk van Randwijk, resistance fighter, writer, and editor-in-chief of Vrij Nederland, and symbolizes the lasting importance of freedom of expression and moral courage.
Celebrating freedom in Vlissingen
In addition to the Van Randwijk Lecture, the Liberation Festival Zeeland offers a broad program for all ages, spread across the Scheldekwartier and the city center. Music, art, conversations, and activities bring different generations together, making Liberation Day a day of meeting and meaning.
