106th edition of Nijmegen Marches kicks off on Saturday

The traditional Four Days Marches kick off in Nijmegen on Saturday. The walking event starts on Tuesday, but the partygoers can already get started on Saturday afternoon.

The Four Days Marches will be officially opened at 4 p.m. on Plein 44 in the presence of Mayor Bruls and others. After the opening, an "urban sports program" will start. The organizers promise that special guests will also be "actively involved." Nineteen other stages will also open the 53rd edition of the four-day festival at 4 p.m. The program ranges from basketball to marching bands.

Numerous performances will take place on various stages throughout the week. The biggest stage, Matrixx Live on the Kade, will feature the most famous names. Roxy Dekker will perform on Sunday evening, the Snollebollekes on Monday evening, and Frans Bauer on the Waalkade on Wednesday evening. More than a thousand artists will perform on over 40 stages.

New this year are the additional activities for older people. For example, live music from the 60s and 70s will be played, which were hits in the clubs at the time. "There's not much to do for the elderly during the Four Days Marches. That's why we're having a party for them on Sunday afternoon this year," Smaakmarkt organizer Brent Roozendaal tells AD.

The four-day festivities last until Friday evening. Transport companies Arriva, Breng, and NS will run extra buses and trains to bring people home from the region.