Grounded Festival 2023

Sat 1 July 2023  12:00
Fort bij't Hemeltje

Experience this years’ multisensory adventure guiding you through the space of regenerative culture

About us

What is Grounded Festival?

You are invited to Grounded Festival 2023, the 3rd edition of our yearly magical gathering at Fort bij het Hemeltje. The Grounded Festival and the collective behind it, sprouted from the dream to provide a sustainable and community-run festival experience that distances itself from conventional mainstream festivals.

This is embodied in all elements throughout the festival ranging from the exhibited art, served food, and musical program. Come and immerse yourself in bouncing beats, eye-opening workshops, and vegetarian deliciousness.
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Program

What's happening

Grounded Festival is more than your average music festival. In addition to two stages of music, we offer a variety of workshops, art, and food experiences. Our goal is to create an immersive experience that allows you to disconnect from the outside world and connect with yourself, nature, and others.
Open Call

Do you want to participate?

Grounded is more than just a music festival! With our team of volunteers, we create a colourful day of workshops, performance art, art expo, music, food culture, and Awareness. Next to our own booking, we invite local artists/performers/facilitators to add their ideas to our diverse program.
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Festival Theme 2023

Listening Beyond Sound

This year, we're taking things beyond just music. Listening is an act of engaging with the world around us. A method of relating to all forms of communication in our interconnected ecosystem. This edition will be all about active listening, sharing attention, and strategies of engagement. Let's embed ourselves together in a world communally created by the practice of listening beyond sound.

Whales sing at such low frequencies, their melodies travel so far through water that their song could be heard from anywhere in the ocean.
We don’t know if they are actually listening for their distant relatives, but it could be possible that whales are constantly connected through an ever-changing ambient expression of life.
Volunteer

Grounded Festival is organized by you!

One of the main things that make the Grounded Festival so unique is the fact, that it is 100% organized by volunteers. We are providing a platform of co-creation and radical inclusion. Everyone is welcome to join our organization.

Do you want to get involved with Grounded and help us make the festival happen next year? You can apply as a festival volunteer to become part of the team and earn a free festival ticket! We need help in our deco team, the build-up, the build-down, and of course during the festival. There are also some positions open in our organizational team. Feel free to reach out to us.
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Location

Fort bij't Hemeltje

As every year, the festival is organized at a truly enchanting location: Fort 't Hemeltje. On the west of the Fort, you can see agricultural landscapes. On the east side you can see Utrecht city. This location shows you how urban life is truly embedded within the natural environment. It is a social and biodiverse spot, providing you with an environment to reconnect.  As the Fort has always stood to protect the fertile grounds behind, so will we use it again.
Program

Be patient - News coming soon...

Grounded Festival is more than your average music festival. In addition to two stages of music, we offer a variety of workshops, art, and food experiences. Our goal is to create an immersive experience that allows you to disconnect from the outside world and connect with yourself, nature, and others.
FAQ

Everything you need to know

Where is Grounded Festival?
Grounded Festival is located on Fort T’ Hemeltje, Fortweg 9, 3992 LX, Houten
Are there car parking spots available?
There is no car parking for visitors. If you require parking because of a disability please contact us via info@grounded-community.org we will reserve a spot for you.
Can I volunteer at Grounded Festival?
Yes! You can apply via the form here and we will be in touch with you shortly.
What if I experience or witness sexism, racism, violence or any other situation that makes me or others feel uncomfortable or unsafe?
If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or if you witness someone else feeling uncomfortable or unsafe, for whatever reason, approach an awareness volunteer wearing a pink safety vest. You can find them at the awareness point in the workshop area; after 22.00 they will be walking around the festival grounds. The awareness team will listen to you and guide you to the safe space. If necessary and wanted, they can remove a person that makes you or others feel unsafe from the festival grounds. If there is no awareness person present, approach the bar staff or a crew member. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

I’m in a wheelchair. Will my companion be able to join me for free?
Yes, your companion enters for free (upon showing your certificate of disability).
Are there solidarity tickets available again this year?
Yes. If you due to your financial situation can not afford festival ticket, you can apply for a solidarity ticket. Please send us an e-mail explaining your situation to info@grounded-community.org and we will be in touch with you.
I’m in a wheelchair. Will the entire festival grounds be accessible?
Many parts of the terrain are wheelchair friendly, especially around the main stage; some parts are however somewhat more difficult to access due to the nature of the terrain. You can bring a companion (free entrance) to help you get around. There are wheelchair accessible toilets on location.
How do I get to the festival?
By bike
We’d like our visitors to be as environmentally friendly as possible. We recommend and prefer that you take the bicycle to our beautiful terrain at Fort ‘t Hemeltje. In case you don’t have a bike in Utrecht you can rent an OV bike at Utrecht central station.

By public transport
You can take several busses from Utrecht Central Station and other spots in the city. Bus numbers that will go Fort ‘t Hemeltje from Central Station are 47 and 8. When travelling via Houten, you can also take bus 48. You can also take the Sprinter from Utrecht CS to Lunetten. From here it is a pleasant 30min walk to the Fort.

By car
We’d prefer you take the bicycle or public transport. However we recognize that this is not possible for everyone. For this reason, there are 20 parking spots for those who need it. If you require parking because of a disability please contact us via info@grounded-community.org, we will reserve a spot for you.
How late can you enter and at what time does the festival end?
The festival will start at 12.00 PM and will end at 00.00 AM. The whole festival will be open during the day.
Can you take pictures on the Festival grounds?
You can take all the pictures you want, but keep in mind that not everyone in your pictures might agree with that. Always check if it’s ok.
Will there be lockers?
There won't be any lockers on the terrain. Keep this in mind when you pack your stuff for the festival.
Lost & Found?
Ask for the lost & found at the backstage entrance. Our crew will go and check for you.
Can you swim in the water?
It is not allowed to swim in the water.
Can I take drugs at the festival?
Hard drugs are forbidden by Dutch law. If you do decide to take them, do so responsibly and look out for yourself and your friends. In case you take too much, approach an awareness volunteer wearing a pink safety vest. You can find them at the awareness point in the workshop area; after 22.00 they will be walking around the festival grounds. The awareness team will listen to you and guide you to the psycare tent, where you can relax until you feel better.
Are there still tickets for sale?
Yes!
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