Heatwave: Defqon.1, TT Assen ready for 38°C days; More events cancelled

Several major events in the Netherlands, including the TT Assen and Defqon.1, Jera On Air, and Lago Lago festivals are continuing despite the extreme heat, which could rise to 38 degrees Celsius. However, organisers are introducing extra safety measures such as free access to drinking water, additional shaded areas, and misting installations. Visitors are also being urged to stay hydrated throughout the events. Several other events scheduled for this weekend have been cancelled throughout the country.

The racing event TT Assen will experience peak temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius on Friday. Temperatures will then rise to as high as 32 degrees on Saturday and 27 degrees on Sunday.

The Defqon. 1 festival in Biddinghuizen has historically high temperatures on Friday, up to 38 degrees, and the temperature will be milder on Sunday, with 25 degrees Celsius.

A number of events across the Netherlands have been scaled back or cancelled due to the extreme heat. At the Ballonfestival in Hardenberg, both the hot air balloon flights and the dragon boat race have been called off. In Aalten, the Farm & Country Fair has adjusted its animal show programme, while Eventing Flevoland has been cancelled altogether. Organisers say the conditions make it impossible to run the equestrian event safely and responsibly.

Several more cultural events in the Netherlands have been cancelled or postponed due to the heat. The Amikejo Open Air Festival in Vaals and the Aarkade Concert aan den Rijn, an Alphen adaptation of the Prinsengracht Concert, will not go ahead. Meanwhile, the Huus van Twente performances in Denekamp, planned for June 24 to 28, have been postponed until late August, according to the production team.

Decisions on whether an event can safely continue are made in consultation between organisers, local municipalities, the safety region, and the Regional Medical Emergency Preparedness and Planning Organisation (GHOR).

The safety region and GHOR provide advisory input, after which the final decision, potentially including adjustments to the programme, rests with the municipality and event organisers.