Amsterdam, located in the province of North Holland, derived its name from Amstelredamme, a dam in the river Amstel. Originally a small fishing village in the 12th Century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the 17th century. Amsterdam was always on my list of travels after learning about
Anne Frank at school. I could not wait to visit the house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Germans. This dream came to fruition in 1980.
Photo courtesy of Appelsap Festival 2018 Website
Just like Amsterdam's growth from century to century, so has the
Appelsap Festival, which has been providing its followers the best of entertainment for almost two decades. Starting out as a free block jam for local kids, this festival is now one of the most important hip-hop events in the City's music calendar and a sell-out each year, meaning purchasing your tickets early is a must if you are to secure your entry.
Tickets cost from £42.50 BF each. Children under 12 years are free.
2018 is wrapping up to be one of the best festivals yet with a great line-up of world-class artists in hip-hop, soul, R&B and progressive electronic music. Besides the music, there is a wide range of international cuisine and activities for the kids. Although this is now a well sought out event, its atmosphere has managed to stay just as special as the early days where building a network of homies and friends was just as much part of the festival as breathing in the fresh new talent each year and exploring Amsterdam's increasing number of clubs, labels and artists now based in the city.
Photo courtesy of Appelsap Festival 2018 Website
Flights to Amsterdam from most European Airports are a reasonable price if you book early. There is a range of hotels, apartments and B&Bs close to the city centre. Saturday 11th August is a perfect reason to take a trip across the waters. Commencing at 12 Noon, the event concludes at 11.00pm
The
line-up this year is as follows.
Famous Dex (US)
De Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig
Madlib (US)
SMIB
Smooky MarGielaa (US)
Nines (UK)
Wiley (UK)
Snoh Aalegra (SWE)
Jarreau Vandal
Dj Abstract
Vic Crezée
Biig Piig (IRE)
Idaly
Amy Becker (UK)
Jacin Trill
Leafs Sensei
Kojey Radical (UK)
Kojo Funds (UK)
Tiffany Calver (UK)
Poke
Fosa YG & Loopey
Edzon
Lion Kojo
ORDER Amsterdam Mothership
Paquito Moniz
