“Our future is in danger”: Draaimolen launches petition as uncertainty looms on current home
The Dutch festival said its future is at risk after discovering that its presence at current home The MOB-Complex “will no longer be granted”
Dutch music and arts festival Draaimolen has put out an “urgent appeal” after discovering that it may not be able to host its annual event at the MOB-Complex, its current location, after 2025.
The Tilburg-based event launched a petition earlier today (September 1), asking fans to help “secure” its home and “protect what has been built with so much care”.
“The future of Draaimolen is in danger,” they said on Instagram this morning. “For 13 years, we have poured everything into building this world with you. Behind the scenes, it has not always been easy.”
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In the petition, which currently has over 5,000 signatures of a 25,000 target, Draaimolen explained that its presence at the MOB-Complex “will no longer be granted”, and that there is currently no alternative location for its annual event.
“Without the MOB-Complex, the festival will cease to exist,” they said. “Since 2019, this forest has been an integral part of Draaimolen’s identity, and it forms an essential base of all that we create throughout the year. Without this place, we cannot sustain.”
Draaimolen argues for its stay at Tilburg’s MOB-Complex, saying that it has not only “strengthened biodiversity and the natural value of the forest,” over the years, but that it also brings together “artists, musicians, and communities from around the world”.
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“We’re convinced that Draaimolen makes a valuable contribution to the national and international cultural sectors, while creating a space that encourages people to see the world in new and different ways. If you believe in us, please sign this petition,” they urged.
Draaimolen began in 2013 as an independent festival focusing on music, art, and nature. In 2019, the festival was “forced” to leave its former home at Charlotte Oord to make way for commercial development.
“Since then, we have fought to keep Draaimolen alive, never able to plan further than the next festival,” they said. Draaimolen 2025 is due to take place this weekend from September 5 - 6.
Sign the petition here.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter