The Rotterdam Bluegrass VIP Program: because everyone matters

The Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival is for everyone. In fact, we believe everyone should feel like a VIP: a Very Important Person. Especially those who are struggling financially and can’t afford a ticket. That’s why they get free access to the festival.

Every year, in the week leading up to the festival, RBF tours the Old North of Rotterdam with an international headliner, visiting local community initiatives, special places where people support each other, as well as primary schools in the neighborhood. During this Rotterdam Bluegrass VIP Program, they get to enjoy amazing performances and workshops.

We also ask each location to compile a guest list of people who can’t afford a ticket or who, for any reason, might find it hard to attend a festival alone. All of them get to enjoy the festival for free and share in the joy together.

To reach even more Rotterdammers dealing with significant debt - often due to the Dutch childcare benefits scandal - we partner with a debt relief organization. Anyone interested receives a three-day festival pass, plus three drink tokens. Kids up to 14 always get in for free. This way, entire families can enjoy a cheerful weekend out and create some beautiful memories together.

Want to be part of this initiative or have questions about the Rotterdam Bluegrass VIP Program? Feel free to email Daira Visch at daira@bluegrassfestival.nl.