King celebrates 750 years of city rights in Vlaardingen

His Majesty the King will visit Vlaardingen on Friday, September 29th. This year, Vlaardingen celebrates its 750th anniversary of city rights. On the evening of Friday, September 29th, the Theatrical City Spectacle "The Story of Vlaardingen" will take place. King Willem-Alexander will attend the first part of this open-air performance on Oosthavenkade.

In its anniversary year, Vlaardingen is highlighting the city's rich history dating back to 1273. Through sports, culture, art, heritage, and other social initiatives, Vlaardingen actively connects residents and encourages collaboration. One of the initiatives of the newly established Vlaardingen 750 Foundation is the open-air performance "The Story of Vlaardingen." More than 250 local actors, dancers, singers, a professional orchestra, and accompanying visuals bring together the past, present, and future on a stage at Vlaardingen's Oosthavenkade.

Before the theater performance, King Willem-Alexander will meet several Vlaardingen residents in a historic herring warehouse, now home to the international family business J. de Jonge Group. The King will speak with Vlaardingen residents about their involvement in this anniversary year and their connection to Vlaardingen.

Vlaardingen experienced a golden age in the 18th century, thanks to the large herring fleet that sailed the North Sea. Vlaardingen is still known as "herring city." The city also experienced poverty and hardship, such as a city fire in 1574, major floods, plague epidemics, and the disappearance of the herring fleet in the mid-20th century. Vlaardingen is the sixth largest seaport in the Netherlands and is working to develop a balanced housing stock and green neighborhoods.