Press release: Dordtse Waterhelden compete for the Gouden Hoosbeker
On 26 and 27 September the Voorstraathaven becomes a water arena: Dordrecht teams build their own raft on Saturday and compete for the Gouden Hoosbeker on Sunday. Admission for spectators is free.
During the final weekend of Festival Voor de Vloed, on 26 and 27 September, the Voorstraathaven turns into a churning water arena. Dordrecht clubs, neighbourhoods, companies and groups of friends build their own raft at Het Hof on Saturday and compete for the Gouden Hoosbeker on Sunday, while the city watches from the quays and bridges.
The Dordtse Waterhelden
Dordrecht has always had its water heroes: the Watergeuzen who entered the city from the water, the pontoon engineers once stationed here, the Redders van Dordt who sail out when things go wrong. Living on an island in the delta, the people of Dordrecht do not shy away from water.
“With the Waterhelden we give every Dordrecht team the chance to prove themselves on a challenging water course”, says Wouter Sieuwerts, festival director. “Which team is the smartest, the strongest, and works together best to get through every trial in the arena?”
From building site to water arena
Teams from across Dordrecht compete under their own banner: on, in and around the water. On Saturday 26 September, Het Hof becomes a building site in the middle of the festival crowd. With barrels, rope and team spirit, the rafts take shape. At the end of the afternoon the ship’s horn sounds and the raft parade moves through the city centre: each team carries its raft to the harbour. Then it’s time to celebrate.
On Sunday 27 September the rafts take to the water. From the Wijnbrug to the finish at the City Hall, teams are tested on speed, strength, stamina, teamwork and, of course, water skills. You can cheer along the whole course; admission for spectators is free.
The winner receives the Gouden Hoosbeker, the right to carry the trophy for a year, and their own weight in sand. The spectacle in the Voorstraathaven runs from 13.00 to 17.00.
Take part
Dordrecht clubs, groups and companies can sign up in teams of 6–10 via festivalvoordevloed.nl/waterhelden. Experience on the water is not required — a team that wants to build something together and see it through is. Registration is open until 14 September.
Festival Voor de Vloed
In the run-up to the storm season, which begins on 1 October, Dordrecht comes alive each year during Festival Voor de Vloed with creativity, art and conviviality. Street theatre surprises you in unexpected places, artists conjure up installations across the city, and in historic attics you can experience remarkable adventures. See the full programme at festivalvoordevloed.nl.
Press contact: marcom@festivalvoordevloed.nl
