Freedom on the Scheldt, a day of encounter, remembrance and imagination
Fort Ellewoutsdijk, June 21, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the festival Vrijheid aan de Schelde (Freedom on the Scheldt) was celebrated at a special location: Fort Ellewoutsdijk. A place where history is palpable and where past, present, and future naturally connect.
The festival brought young and old together around one central theme: freedom, not as an abstract concept, but as something you can experience, share, and pass on.
A rich and diverse program
Throughout the day, there was plenty to see, hear, and experience. The program was broad and multi-layered, just like the theme itself.
The festival concluded with a walk and the presentation of Gold Medals by Mayor Dijksterhuis, a moment of recognition and reflection. Music filled the grounds with performances by Tape It, Cees Oreel, Swinging Affair Bigband, and Smoothly Rockers, each bringing their own atmosphere and energy.
Visitors could enjoy food trucks with food and drinks, while deeper insights were gained from a lecture on the Battle of the Scheldt by Mr. Dick Zandee. Additionally, there was the interactive workshop “What would you do?”, which encouraged reflection and discussion.
Freedom made visible
A special part of the festival was veterans' art: artworks in which veterans processed their experiences and memories. Images that don't explain, but evoke feeling.
There was also space for children: making art, face painting, and discovery. A peace tree stood on the grounds, where visitors could hang their wishes for peace and freedom — small in size, great in meaning.
Along the dike, old army vehicles from the Liberation Museum attracted attention, while amateur radio operators gave demonstrations with equipment from the years 1940–1945. Here, history didn't come from books, but to life in image, sound, and technology.
Art and freedom
Within the exhibition “For Your and Our Freedom”, various Zeeland artists showcased their vision on peace and freedom. Rem van den Bosch was also present, showing work where heritage, imagery, and social themes converge — in line with the values that Zeeuws Meisje stands for.
A day that lingers
Freedom on the Scheldt was more than a festival. It was a day of encounter, remembrance, and imagination. A place where stories were shared, where there was room for silence and conversation, and where freedom was not only commemorated but also celebrated.
A day that shows how important it is to keep looking, listening, and imagining — together.