Festival der Liebe in Rotterdam under heavy security following threat of terror

The Festival der Liebe, being held at Ahoy Rotterdam on Friday and Saturday nights, has drawn a strong police presence due to a threat of a potential terrorist attack. German media reported that the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group may target the event, which is organized by Chantal Janzen and Jan Smit.

To ensure safety, Rotterdam police have deployed visible security measures, including a police bus, officers on foot and bicycles, and a drone flying overhead. All visitors entering Ahoy Rotterdam have been thoroughly searched by security personnel.

The threat, which was first reported in a German online forum, prompted police to promise "appropriate" security measures, both visible and covert, though the specifics of these actions have not been disclosed for security reasons.

Despite the reported threat, attendees expressed little fear. One visitor stated, "We received a clear email about what we can and cannot bring. Now, there is real oversight to make sure nothing is brought inside." Another visitor added, "Last week was carnival; it could have happened then too," referring to the general sense of safety.

Despite the heightened security, some visitors initially hesitated before attending, having followed news of the threat. However, after police declared the event safe, they decided to go. "If the threat was truly serious, Chantal Janzen and Jan Smit would have canceled the event," one attendee remarked. "We’re going for a good time and a fun evening."

As the festival's first evening began, the venue was still not half full, with many tickets being resold online. With fewer attendees, visitors were reportedly allowed greater freedom within the venue, even those without standing tickets were permitted to move about and join in dancing to the German music.