Three cheers to the return of the much-missed Helders Bier Festival
The Helders Bier Festival’s return in 2022 is a much-anticipated event, a highlight on the Dutch-beer calendar. For two days in September, Den Helder plays host to a well-curated gathering of local, national and international breweries at Theater de Kampanje in the Willemsoord Quarter — the city’s former Naval base. And it’s not just beer, there’s ciders, wines, cocktails and assorted bites to accompanying the brewing cheer. Everything enjoyed while savouring a flawless choice of beer-festival music that turns perfect events into a party.
The Helders Bier Festival avoids overwhelming visitors with too much choice by bringing together the crème de la crème of beers — a combination of well-known favourites and the best up-and-coming discoveries. This mix suits the diverse, friendly atmosphere, with people travelling to this northwest corner of the land from across the Netherlands and beyond for a unique experience. Proud locals rub shoulders with hardcore beer fanatics, each sharing their stories, recommendations and opinions about festival favourites with willing listeners.
Over 20 breweries are attending, including the best award-winning Dutch-beer talent. A handful of local breweries from Den Helder and around the region will demonstrate why North Holland excels in flavoursome beer. And breweries from other parts of the country will also prove that Dutch beer-producing skill is a nationwide talent, placing the Netherlands firmly on the global beer map.
Several breweries from England and Scotland make a short hop across the North Sea to be here, to bring interesting, contemporary beers to an appreciative beer-loving audience. Belgium has a solid beer reputation, which features strongly in two of Brussels’ finest breweries pouring well-renowned beers. Travelling further to be here, two Italian breweries will be as popular as usual with visitors keen to try something special. And to validate a close beer connection between the Netherlands and the USA, popular Dutch-American beer importers will be pouring the finest, freshest stateside brews.
Den Helder is just over an hour from Amsterdam by direct train, so near enough to visit for a day spent in the company of impressive beers, friendly brewers and great conversation. Tickets are only €12.50, which includes a tasting glass and two tokens.
What’s not to like about the Helders Bier Festival’s welcome return? Hip, hip, hooray!
Photo: Theater de Kampanje Den Helder
