Willem Geerlings Shantykoren Festival

This festival is organized by Shantykoor ‘t Bollenhart.

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, we organized our annual shanty festival in the village center of Noordwijkerhout around the Witte Kerk.

On September 4, 2004, the Seasong and Shanty choir “De Vlaerdingse Maatjes” was born. A growing number of choir members, with an equally growing Dutch, English and German repertoire, brought us many requests for performances. Especially in the many care centers throughout the region, but also far beyond. The Maatjes are certainly a welcome guest at festivals and private performances. After having sung as a male choir for 18 years, the choir was transformed into a mixed choir in 2022. The decline in membership due to the corona crisis was thus remedied. Our ladies wear the Vlaardingen fisherwomen’s costume from around 1920. This year we are looking forward to celebrating our 20th anniversary, which we will celebrate in Noordwijkerhout during the local Shanty festival. Our Seasong and Shanty choir hopes to continue for a number of years. The pleasure of singing together, but also the nice social contact is a great asset to us.

Our motto: “Once a Buddy…always a Buddy!”

In 2022, the festival was named Willem Geerlings Festival , as a tribute to the man who did so much for the choir.  A man with a big Bollenhart!

Shantykoor t’Bollenhart organizes the Willem Geerlings Shantykoren Festival on August 20, 2022 in Noordwijkerhout with 8 choirs from 13.00 to 17.00 on 4 stages.