The festival site is not suitable and it is financially difficult: this year’s Jordan Festival has been canceled. According to the organizers, it is necessary to charge an entrance fee, but this is against the municipality’s rules. The fans and the organization are sad – as is the municipality itself. “I hope they can take a look at the rules there again.”

According to organizer Stijn Giese, 31, a ticket to the Jordaan festival doesn’t have to cost ten euros or more. “And then you can also get some drinks for it.”

Always free

Certainly reasonable, according to the Amsterdam-born entrepreneur himself. But that won’t work: according to municipal rules, festivals in the central area must always be free.

“Events in the centre create additional pressure on public spaces and sometimes also cause additional noise pollution,” a centre spokesperson wrote in response. “That’s why the municipality has decided that events in the centre’s outdoor spaces will always be free of charge, so that all Amsterdammers can enjoy them.”

temporary barracks

The Jordan Festival’s problems don’t end there. Appeltjesmarkt, the square at the corner of Marnixstraat and the end of Elandsgracht, will not be available as a festival venue in future editions. There is a temporary fire station, as the permanent base of Kazerne Hendrik is being slightly renovated on Rozengracht.

Jesse is quick to say that the municipality was very willing to help find an alternative site. “They suggested several sites, but they didn’t meet all our needs. So in the end we couldn’t come to an agreement.”

“Another look”

If such a location is eventually found, the Jordan Festival will not be a financial success. Jesse does not need financial aid, but he hopes to be able to get more space next year. “If we can look at the rules together again, we can get the financial picture right and make the festival happen.”