The annual Circusbende festival has returned to Amsterdam, hosting alternative performing arts and community-driven events across the city.
This year, the festival setup begins at Het Groene Veld, a former squatting community and cultural enclave in Amsterdam Noord that serves as the group’s headquarters and workshop space.
Despite its long-running success, the organizers behind the festival have raised concerns about navigating municipal bureaucracy.
Tightening rules around logistics, vehicle access, and setup procedures in local public spaces have added significant administrative pressure to running the independent event.
Strict rules strain festival setup
Festival directors Chiva Bons and Do Verschragen noted that securing local permits has become increasingly complicated.
Organizers face new challenges, including restrictions on driving heavy supply trucks into certain city areas and rules prohibiting ground stakes for circus tents in places like Erasmuspark.
Unlike mainstream events that rely on heavy fencing and paid security staff, Circusbende maintains a free-flowing, open layout. The festival relies entirely on its own community volunteers to manage crowd safety, aiming to keep the atmosphere welcoming and accessible to all residents.
Community support keeps event running
The festival relies heavily on grassroots support, local donations, and neighborhood volunteers to remain viable. Neighborhood businesses donate food for the crew, while local residents frequently host visiting international performers in their homes to keep operational costs manageable.
While rising energy costs and complex regulations pose ongoing challenges, the festival continues to feature a diverse lineup of international talent.
Performances this year range from conceptual solo balance acts to multi-national clowning trios, hosted in both traditional tents and nearby community centers.
