Clear skies, a shining sun and happy dancing people were a few factors contributing to a fantastic Festival celebrating the 375th birthday of Utrecht University. Themed “History and Heritage”, past and present were fused into a vibrant atmosphere where students, alumni, family, military veterans and neighbors experienced a unique day of memory, celebration and entertainment. Before UCU was founded in 1997, the area was used for barracks since early 20th century, homing hundreds of soldiers training to defend our country. In memory of this time, a military marching band performed and there was an exhibition of the former Kromhout Kazerne. But the history of our small campus reaches even further. In the Middle Ages it housed a monastry and a field with gallows. Did you know stadium Galgenwaard is a trace of this sinister history? Currently, the new Kromhout Kazerne is constructed next to campus, where the headquarters of the Dutch Ministry of Defense will be stationed.

The festival was officially opened by the Rector Magnificus of Utrecht University and the Utrecht Oost Councillor, followed by a performance by the military marching band Fanfarekorps der Genie, the veteran band of the Engineer Corps that were once stationed on campus. Throughout the day lectures were held in the Auditorium within the theme of History and Heritage, to explore the history of Utrecht, the Waterline defense system and the story behind the architecture of campus, with subsequent tours. Events on the main stage on the Quad were an exposé of student life on campus, with a little help of some alumni. A variety of music, dance and drama performances (remember Super Sticky Surfaces in the bar?) were showcased and received with loud applause. Committees had set up stalls to feature their work fed by their passions. At the UCAA, alumni and students could grab a campus map created by Sietse Brouwer (Class of 2007) and fill in their most precious memories of their time at UCU. The makings of the Cultural Cookery in the Food Court on the opposite side of the Quad filled our noses with the most delicious smells from all over the world, and the proceeds will go to charity causes selected by HumCo. In addition to all this, children (and not only children!) were having a blast on the bouncy castle or with old-fashioned Dutch games. The fraternities and sororities had set up a lounge area behind Locke, where UCDJ was rocking and visitors could dare each other to ride the rodeo bull, shoot at Justin Bieber or paint your face yellow. All day, and while awaiting the final acts by Ska-Rockabily band TrenchcoaT and DJ Arjan van Midden, more than 70 alumni crowded together on the Quad and behind Locke for some dancing, drinking, and having one hell of a good old time. Check out the video and the photos, and let us know what you enjoyed most during the Festival!