Harlingen becomes the literary heart of Friesland once again this summer during Literary Festival Harlingen. The garden behind the bookshop, museum and library is transformed into an atmospheric festival site with a programme full of highlights.
The afternoon begins with the presentation of the Anton Wachter Prize – the most prestigious debut prize in the Netherlands. The winner will take the stage immediately. This is followed by a double interview with father and daughter Jan and Janneke Siebelink, both writers with an eye for family, memory and the traces a life can leave behind.
After the break, Christien Brinkgreve will speak about her memoir Beladen huis (Burdened House, 2025), nominated for the NS Audience Prize. Erik Dijkstra talks about sport and the people at its heart. Herman Brusselmans from Flanders is the international guest – his work is sharp, humorous and touches on loneliness and desire.
Huub van der Lubbe closes the festival with a solo performance: songs from his own work to Brel and Dylan, interspersed with anecdotes and poems. Between programmes, there is plenty of opportunity to eat at Hippe Frieten and enjoy a drink in the most beautiful garden in Harlingen.
Tickets: €27.50 (early bird ticket until 1 May) | €30 (regular)
Available at Van der Velde Harlingen and via ontdekdebieb.nl.
