Grounded is a 100% volunteer-run collective with a focus on sustainability and social awareness embracing the alternative and non-commercial scene of Utrecht and its surroundings.
Grounded connects people to celebrate a tangible sustainable culture. We are a diversely skilled community, driven by the common goal of regenerating our social and ecological system. Grounded is a community that stimulates connection, competence, and autonomy by giving people the opportunity to create value-based initiatives. At Grounded, we engage people with culture and empower them to co-create projects surrounding food, education, and art.
The festival will be 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.
This Fort has a rich history. In the past, it has hosted up to 200 soldiers. The land around the Fort provided everything they needed. Think about different types of fruits and nut trees, chickens, and a variety of vegetables. This type of location teaches us something about self-sufficiency. Even today the Fort hosts a diverse variety of plants and animals, as well as several organizations focusing on food transition and circularity. During the festival, you can explore the landscape and learn about the different types of plants that set throne in Dutch nature.
At Grounded, we strive for a better and more just society. Still, we are living in a system built on oppression and discrimination, and our community is not exempt from its effects. That’s why we want to commit to creating a space in which everyone feels welcome and comfortable. This is why we set up an awareness concept for the festival.
At the awareness point, you can get information on issues around sexism, racism and other group-based oppressions, and delve into conversations through games, exercises and art. In case someone experiences harassment, assault or discriminatory behavior awareness volunteers (in pink safety vests) are there to guide affected persons to the safer space where they can talk about what happened. No sexual harassment, assault or racist or otherwise discriminatory behavior will be tolerated.
In case something happens, we follow these three principles:
If you have questions about our awareness concept, you can reach us at awareness@grounded-festival.com. If you want to share an experience or file a complaint anonymously, find the link below. Call out sexism, homophobia, racism, transphobia, and all other violent behavior when you witness it. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Spread your empathy and positive energy. We are the party.
There is no parking for visitors. If you require parking because of a disability please contact us via info@grounded-festival.com, we will reserve a spot for you. Keep in mind there are only 20 parking spots.
Grounded Festival is located on Fort T’ Hemeltje, Fortweg 9, 3992 LX, Houten
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!
Yes, your companion enters for free (upon showing your certificate of disability).
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.
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. Check http://9292ov.nl for precise details from your location. Bus numbers that will go Fort ‘t Hemeltje from Central Station are 47 and 8. When traveling 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-festival.com, we will reserve a spot for you.
The festival will start at 12.00 PM and will end at 00.00 AM. The whole festival will be open during the day.
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.
There won't be any lockers on the terrain. Keep this in mind when you pack your stuff for the festival.
Ask for the lost & found at the backstage entrance. Our crew will go and check for you.
It is not allowed to swim in the water
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.
Tickets for our 2023 edition will be available soon. You can subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.
If you want to sell your ticket, we’d advise using Ticketswap. It is the safest way to buy and sell tickets.
No alcoholic drinks are allowed to be brought inside the festival grounds, but make sure to have your water bottle with you to stay hydrated!
We are all about organic and locally produced food, therefore we will only serve food made of locally grown vegetables. No meat will be served at the festival and there will be gluten-free options!
We love dogs and animals! But unfortunately we are not allowed to host our four-legged friends at the festival.
At Grounded we like to reduce the use of plastic as much as possible by using alternatives to mono-use plastic items. We encourage people not to bring any plastic inside our festival grounds, as the only waste we collect is general, paper, and organic.
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An invitation, a celebration; for all, to have fun without causing harm.
