Trafalgar Square Goes Dutch

Posted: 13th April 2010 | Source: Netherlands Board of Tourism

UPDATE received 17th April: Party will go on despite volcanic dust cloud-related UK flight restrictions!

Keen cyclists can win themselves a bike, and have a great party with the Dutch, in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 17 April.

On this day, the square will host Holland House, a free entry festival, all in aid of Holland's national day celebrations. And, with the Dutch being a nation of cyclists, what better way to add a competitive edge to the day with a cycling challenge.

Holland House has teamed up with Evans Cycles to bring the 750 meter cycle challenge to Trafalgar Square, with the best male, female and under 18's of the day each winning a bike and accessories worth up to £2,500. Transport for London will also be on hand to explain the new London Cycle Hire scheme which will launch in the Capital on Friday 30 July.

Staying on the athletic theme, the party will also see the first-ever pole vaulting demonstration on a London square, with pole vaulters soaring 16 feet and more over the North Terrace.

Pole vaulting actually originated in Holland as a way of crossing marshy areas, as Dutch World Champion Rens Blom will be demonstrating - but it's never been seen before in Trafalgar Square!

Meanwhile, everyone else will be partying in the square and enjoying everything from live music (by Dutch bands including headliners DI-RECT), tucking into authentic Dutch food and drink, visiting the Dutch market, admiring the side shows or even watching the clog maker carve authentic pairs of wooden shoes.

Youngsters and art lovers also get some special attention. Young children have their own kids' corner with plenty to keep them amused, whilst, just a few steps away from the pole vaulting, the National Gallery is putting on free tours of its collection of Dutch paintings at 4pm and 5pm.

The Holland House festival is all in aid of Holland's national day celebrations and marks the fifth year that the Dutch have brought a taste of local lifestyle to London. In fact, the celebrations begin on Friday 16 April with the Dutch Therapy clubbing gig at The Arches club, London, where top Dutch DJs, including 6'8" Afrojack will showcase the best of Holland's house music until the early hours.

For more information on Holland House go to: www.holland.com, or to book tickets for Dutch therapy go to: www.hollandclubbing.com