Program Setpember 2024

Program September 2024

Here is a list of the activities that will be held in September. Please not that not all of the events are organised by us.

 
Arrival of the LTF on September 14th

On September 14th, the Liberation Task Force will pass through Valkenswaard. This parade consists over 300 original English vehicles. It provides an impressive glimpse into what it was like 80 years ago. Although we are not organizing this event, we believe it would be wonderful if the streets of Valkenswaard were filled with people to welcome the Liberation Task Force.

Pop-up museum 14 till 21 September
From September 14th to 21st, the foundation will host an exhibition (pop-up museum) in the reading room of the library. This exhibition is free to visit. The exhibition will be organized by the foundation but will also include items from collections of local collectors. We aim to depict the entire war story to give a general impression of the war. Do you have any items from the war related to Valkenswaard, Aalst, or Waalre, and would you like to display them in the exhibition for a week? Please contact us! The opening hours of the exhibition are yet to be determined and will be announced in the future.
Saturday September the 14th

This day will be filled with events. As mentioned earlier the Liberation Task Force will be passing trough Valkenswaard. But also, a liberation concert will be held in the market square of Valkenswaard, featuring music performed by the Royal Choir Association De Volharding with Jenkins’ Peacemakers. This concert is open to everyone and free of charge. Relatives from England will also be present as special guests at the concert. In addition to the concert, the flower parade festivities will also start on September 14th. So, on September 14th, there will be plenty to see in the market square of Valkenswaard!

Sunday September the 15th
The Corso & Culture Festival combines a stunning dahlia parade with the official opening of the cultural season. Thirteen magnificent flower floats and a yet-to-be-determined number of youth floats will fill the streets, along with street performers, show bands, and harmonies, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both young and old. Performances will take place on stages at the Markt and Statie from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The parade will make a round through the town center at 2:30 PM. This year, Corso Valkenswaard is themed “Passing on Stories.” The corso originated in the years following World War II, when children would decorate bicycles and handcarts with flowers every year on September 17th, in remembrance of the liberation, and parade through the streets. This tradition evolved into decorated carts and eventually the large floats we see today. The Bloemencorso, as we know it, has existed since 1953. The Corso & Culture Festival in Valkenswaard is free to visit—a grand celebration to commemorate the liberation of Valkenswaard and to celebrate our freedom.
Monday September 16th
On Monday, September 16th, the foundation will organize an evening for the relatives and English soldiers of the Irish Guards who liberated Valkenswaard during the war. This evening is dedicated to remembrance and bringing people together. We hope this evening will provide a special opportunity for camaraderie and sharing stories. A dinner will be held, and the evening will be accompanied by a Big Band playing music from the war era. This event is by invitation only, with guests being invited by the foundation.
Commemoration at the War Cemetery on September 17th

On September 17th, it will be exactly 80 years since Valkenswaard was liberated by English soldiers of the Irish Guards. This milestone will be commemorated extensively at the military cemetery. Several speakers will address the gathering, including relatives of the soldiers buried at the cemetery. Soldiers from the Irish Guards will also be present. The exact times of the commemoration are yet to be determined, and we will certainly share this information with you in the future. Everyone is welcome at this commemoration, and we hope to see many of you there.

Liberation Concert on September 17th

On September 17th, there will be another liberation concert held in the market square. This time, three harmony orchestras will perform music. Relatives and soldiers of the Irish Guards will also be present at this concert. The concert will begin at 8:00 PM and continue throughout the evening. Everyone is welcome, and there is no admission fee! We look forward to seeing you there!