Landgraaf Goes Pink(pop) for a Weekend
The longest-running pop and rock festival
opened its gates once again at the old horse racing track in Landgraaf on the third weekend in June. As in most years, the festival and its guests were blessed with impeccable weather. Bright blue skies and no clouds in sight. Despite the festival not being sold out this year, the crowd that did attend was dedicated entirely. While walking to the festival grounds, one emerges into masses of people wearing the colours of the festival. Everyone got the memo and wore pink shirts, bucket hats, caps, or pink pants. The lineup was a mix of internationally known names and up-and-coming artists from various genres, making it intriguing for people of all ages.
The first day started off strong. With acts like the British singer MIKA, who made the whole festival grounds feel as if they were back in 2007. He opened with “We are Golden” and already showed off his signature high notes, making it clear that Pinkpop was in for a show. With songs like „Lollipop“ and „Relax, Take It Easy “ he had the whole crowd dancing and singing along. During „Big Girls (You are Beautiful)” he climbed over the barricade in his hot pink suit, because „someone‘s gotta wear fucking pink!“, and sang the song in a sea of people wearing pink. Later, Irish band Inhaler took over the south stage with their alternative rock tunes like „Open Wide“ or „Love Will Get You There“ and had the crowd captivated. A summer vibe was brought by the Belgian artist, Oscar and the Wolf, on the South Stage. With personal songs that are a mix of indie pop, R&B, and electro-pop, he had a colourful stage presence that electrified the crowd. Another anticipated act was the TikTok sensation Tate McRae. The Canadian dancer and singer performed popular songs like “Sports car” and “Revolving Door” underlined with intricate choreographies, accompanied by her talented backup dancers.
The headliner of that evening was the singer and actor Justin Timberlake. Festival guests of all ages gathered in front of the stage to watch the former NSYNC star perform. Starting off strong, he opened his show with “Mirrors” immediately followed by “Cry Me a River”. These were followed by classics like “Suit & Tie” and “Rock Your Body,” giving his fans something to dance to. With him on stage was a group of outstanding backup singers and a wind orchestra that perfectly complemented the singers' pop songs with R&B influences. A perfect way to close off the festival's first day, leaving everyone excited for the following days.
The second day was filled with incredible acts as well. It became evident that Pinkpop focuses on having a large selection of international artists. The Dutch singer Claude represented the Netherlands at Eurovision in 2025 and now got to perform at Pinkpop with his unique pop and chanson sound with French and Dutch lyrics. The Swedish singer Omar Rudberg performed his Latin/electronic songs in his signature white look on the Tent Stage. His fans were cheering and buzzing to have him at Pinkpop.
Tom Odell was a last-minute addition to the line-up, but definitely one we wouldn't want to miss. Unlike many other acts, he performed his songs in a raw, unfiltered way and not by having a big production on stage. Songs like “Black Friday” and “Another Love” were charged with so much emotion that no visuals or backup dancers are needed. The Australian punk-pop Band Amyl And The Sniffers provided a massive shift in genre. They fused 70s punk with straightforward rock that shook the whole festival ground. The Dutch singer Joost also mixed things up with his Gabberpop tunes. A unique mix of energy and chaos was brought to him by songs such as “Europapa” or “Last Man Standing”. The British band Faithless returned for the fifth time to Pinkpop with House/Trance music with driving beats, euphoric melodies, and spiritual lyrics. One member of the band, Maxi Jazz, has sadly passed last year, but Sister Bliss honoured their music, and the crowds showed overwhelming support.
While the first day wrapped up with R&B sounds, the second day was closed by Olivia Rodrigo and her punk-influenced pop songs. After a minor delay, she came on the South Stage and broke the anticipation of older and younger festival guests. She stunned the crowd with her upbeat songs like “So American”, “Obsessed”, and “Good 4 u”, but she also sang heartfelt ballads, including “Vampire” and “Enough for You”. She brought an electrifying energy on stage, which transferred right into the crowd, ending the second day with a bang.
On the third day, I was stunned by a variety of artists. This year, even a German band found its way to the festival grounds in Landgraaf. Queerbeat brought a party with its unique rock and South American-inspired music. Norwegian singer-songwriter Girl in Red invited Pinkpop into her charming indie-pop tunes. With iconic songs like “Girls”, “We Fell In Love In October”, and “i wanna be your girlfriend”, Girl in Red enchanted the pink crowd.
An anticipated act was the legendary rock band Korn. Their explosive blend of metal, alternative rock, and hip-hop shook up the festival grounds with songs like “Blind”, “A.D.I.D.A.S”, or “Freak on a Leash”. The festival ended with the British band Muse, a true highlight for many Festival goers. Their rock tunes like “Hysteria”, “Compliance”, and “Map of the Problematique” were delivered through an impressive and expensive show. It encapsulated that Pinkpop feeling that people know and love.
Not in the mood for live music?
Beyond the music, the festival offered different interactive experiences: at “Ketel 1 Club,” you could become a rockstar yourself and sing karaoke the whole weekend long. Another fun activity set up was the silent disco, where everyone receives headphones and listens to music to dance along to, but don’t disturb others.
At the Garden of Love, you could shoot your shot at speed-dating. I wonder if any people fell in love. Next to the Tent Stage was a Market, where multiple small businesses sold t-shirts, jewelry, or bags. If you wanted a little souvenir from your festival experience, you could get a piercing or get yourself a tattoo. Each year, the festival collaborates with the Bonnefantenmuseum, which is exhibited at the festival grounds. You can tell that Pinkpop made the festival not only a music event but an experience to make memories over the weekend.
Pinkpop once again delivered an unforgettable festival experience for young and old with a lineup covering international artists and various genres. We are excited to see what the legendary festival has in store for next year!
WRITTEN BY
Meggi
I like to write about everything pop & fandom culture. Since it has been an integral part of my life for over 10 years I want to write about it for people to get an insight into something they might not understand. I‘d love to shed light onto the misogynistic view on fansgirls/boys. Sport fans and pop music fans are not as different.
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