Gronings Ontzet 2026

Groningen celebrates Gronings Ontzet, popularly known as Bommen Berend, on Friday 28 August 2026, the 354th edition. The city marks the day in 1672 when it was relieved from the siege by the army of the bishop of Münster, and it does so with a full day of ceremony and festivity: bells, wreaths, a freedom lecture, a horse inspection, a communal dinner and closing fireworks.

The day is organised by the Koninklijke Vereeniging voor Volksvermaken, founded in 1872, which has run Groningens Ontzet for over 150 years. On 28 August, in the association’s words, Groningen celebrates freedom.

Programme on 28 August

• 09:00 to 09:15: bell ringing from the Martinitoren
• 09:30 to 10:00: wreath-laying
• 11:30 to 12:30: the annual freedom lecture, in 2026 by Arjen Lubach, at the RUG Academiegebouw
• 14:00 to 16:30: paardenkeuring, the traditional horse inspection, on the Ossenmarkt
• 17:00 to 21:00: the Groote Maaltijd, a communal dinner in the Akerk
• 22:30 to 23:00: fireworks over the Zuiderhaven

Around the day itself, a funfair runs on the Grote Markt from 19 to 28 August, daily from 10:00 to 24:00. The organiser describes the mix as a funfair, market, theatre, dragon boats and a children’s festival, closed with fireworks.

Practical information

The programme is free, with one exception: the Groote Maaltijd in the Akerk costs 12.50 euros for adults and 8.50 euros for children.

Common questions

What does Gronings Ontzet commemorate?

The relief of Groningen on 28 August 1672, when the city survived the siege by the army of the bishop of Münster. The 2026 edition is the 354th.

Why is it called Bommen Berend?

Bommen Berend is the name Groningen gives the day, after the nickname of the Münster bishop whose siege the city withstood in 1672.

Is it free?

Yes, apart from the Groote Maaltijd communal dinner, which costs 12.50 euros for adults and 8.50 euros for children.

Who gives the 2026 freedom lecture?

Arjen Lubach, from 11:30 to 12:30 at the RUG Academiegebouw.

When are the fireworks?

From 22:30 to 23:00 over the Zuiderhaven, closing the day.