Midsummer Prog Festival under threat after venue hit with noise restrictions

(Image credit: Midsummer Prog)

Popular Dutch prog event Midsummer Prog Festival, due to take place in June 2025, faces uncertainty this morning with the news that the venue, Openluchttheater Valkenburg (the open-air theatre in Valkenberg), has been hit with a noise restriction penalty by the local council.

In a statement by the organisers, who state their intention to keep the event going, stress this is not down to the festival, which has previously hosted the likes of Haken, Von Hertzen Brothers, Frost*, Meer and more.

In their statement, the organisers say, "Unfortunately, Openluchttheater Valkenburg is facing issues with its noise permit due to the municipality of Valkenburg. It’s baffling that such a valuable cultural institution should be restricted in such a sudden manner, after 52 years of remarkable contributions to the region’s culture.

To clarify, this situation did not arise because local residents lodged complaints—there has always been a positive relationship between the theatre, the neighbourhood, and Midsummer Prog.

Ultimately, none of that changes the reality we’re facing. We all had high hopes for a workable solution, but regrettably, the local authorities think otherwise and seem to overlook the additional economic benefits that so many local businesses enjoy as a result of the theatre’s success.

That said, we have no intention of giving up on MSP. We just ask for a bit of patience as we explore a few potential scenarios, which may impact the date and venue. We hope to update you soon!"

Writer and broadcaster Jerry Ewing is the Editor of Prog Magazine which he founded for Future Publishing in 2009. He grew up in Sydney and began his writing career in London for Metal Forces magazine in 1989. He has since written for Metal Hammer, Maxim, Vox, Stuff and Bizarre magazines, among others. He created and edited Classic Rock Magazine for Dennis Publishing in 1998 and is the author of a variety of books on both music and sport, including Wonderous Stories; A Journey Through The Landscape Of Progressive Rock.