Over 170 noise complaints filed during Boothstock festival in Rotterdam’s Kralingse Bos
More than 170 complaints about loud bass sounds were filed Saturday with the environmental agency DCMR during Boothstock, an annual festival held in the Kralingse Bos in Rotterdam. The festival featured house and techno music, which residents said carried widely through nearby neighborhoods.
By early evening, DCMR had received 36 complaints, Rijnmond reported. As the night continued, the number rose sharply, ultimately surpassing 170 reports. One Rotterdam resident told DCMR: “As the evening progresses, the thumping of the bass becomes increasingly louder.”
Despite the volume of complaints, monitoring showed that the festival stayed within permitted sound limits. Authorities said the noise levels did not exceed the thresholds set in the event permit, even as public frustration grew. Some residents expressed skepticism. In a post on X, one person wrote: “It can even be heard in Capelle Schollevaar. And that is within the norm?”
The Boothstock festival continued until 11 p.m. After that time, no further complaints were recorded, according to DCMR.
Last year, the same event drew more than 500 complaints about noise. DCMR also concluded then that the sound levels remained within legal limits under the festival’s permit.
