The Netherlands celebrates Queen’s Day, royals in Limburg

The traditional ‘night before Queen’s Day’ passed of peacefully in the big cities on Friday night and there was no more trouble than normal on a busy club night, police said on Saturday.


Some 175,000 people turned up for the Koninginnenach night in The Hague and 30 people were arrested, mainly for fighting.
In Utrecht, where the traditional market begins at 18.00 hours, police said it was less busy than in 2010.

Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, it was busy but the atmosphere was good and there were no problems, police said.
Up to 800,000 people are expected to head to the capital for the day’s – Koninginnedag events, including a concert on the Museumplein featuring artists such Gerard Joling, Alain Clark and award-winning dj Armin van Buuren.
New Queen’s Day rules in the capital mean all outside activities must end by 20.00. The Museumplein show will end at 21.00 to make sure people have enough time to catch a train home.
Royal visit
The royal family is celebrating Queen’s Day in Limburg this year with visits to the towns of Thorn and Weert.
There is tight security in both towns, with up to 1,300 police officers on duty and widespread camera surveillance. Regional traditions will be at the centre of the celebrations, Nos television reports.
Some 10,000 to 15,000 are expected to turn out to see the queen in Thorn – the first port of call, while up to 80,000 are expected in Weert.
Folding chairs
In Weert well-wishers have been banned from taking folding chairs, stools and large bags to the area where the royal party will be. Cool boxes and alcohol is also banned, Nos says.
The royal family was last in Limburg for Queen’s Day in 1995.
April 30 was the birthday of queen Beatrix’s mother, Juliana. When Beatrix succeeded her mother in 1980, she decided to keep the celebrations on that day which is public holiday.
Traditionally citizens do not need a permit to sell goods on the street on Queens Day which is why the streets turn into a giant flea market.

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