HE:LEEN King's Day Festival

Free edition with Alice Olsthoorn, Crybabies, Meerkat and Uncle Arthur

HE:LEEN Festival is back with an orange touch. On King's Day, we are organizing a small edition, completely free at LE:EN The Drain with Alice Olsthoorn, Crybabies, Meerkat, and Uncle Arthur.

In addition, HE:LEEN is joining the King's Day celebration organized by the Hoograven Neighborhood and Orange Association, which is presenting a flea market with live music, a bungee trampoline, and street performers during the day. Everything is free to attend. Reserving a ticket is not necessary.

Alice Olsthoorn
is not someone who stays within the lines; instead, she loves stepping outside of them in a colorful way. Emerging from the internet and queer rave culture, she has always loved pushing the boundaries, humor, and extravagance. In 2018, hyperpop cult phenomenon Alice Olsthoorn released her first EP, 'Glitter Op Mijn Poes,' from which 'Clownerij' grew into a hit within niche internet scenes. As a DJ, producer, vocalist, and queer icon, she effortlessly blends hyperpop with rave and club music.

She fully self-produced her most recent EP, 'Een Heel Ordinair Meisje'. In doing so, she explicitly speaks out against the stereotype that women do not produce their own music. She has become an indispensable figure in the Dutch queer music scene and has previously blown audiences away at Milkshake Festival, Amsterdam Pride Mainstage, and Eurosonic Noorderslag, among others. Now she is coming to rock the stage at HE:LEEN Festival Kingsday, and one thing is certain: standing still is not an option.

Crybabies
If you have ever been told that you are too sensitive, then Crybabies is the band for you. In a bitter world, they see that as a huge compliment, and so should you. Inspired by the riot grrrl movement, this young four-piece band from Tilburg is bringing a mix of lighthearted humor, feminist rage, and bubble grunge to Rotsoord on King's Day. The heavy beats, fuzzy, dreamy guitars, and melancholic lyrics sound, as they describe it themselves, like a storm in sunshine—a very catchy storm as far as we are concerned.

In September 2025, they released their self-titled debut EP and performed in the 3voor12 Livebox. As 3voor12 talent of the Popronde (2025), they toured throughout the Netherlands and performed at Here's The Thing that same autumn. Crybabies also played support slots for Sawyer Hill, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines, and The Vices, among others. In 2026, Crybabies will be at ESNS, and new music is expected. Their latest single, 'Dizzy', certainly promises great things. Get ready to have a good cry… uh, dance… on April 27.

MEERKAT
MeerKAT’s warm, festive jazzy compositions sound like a true delight to your ears on your headphones, and on King’s Day you can come see them live at HE:LEEN Festival. With catchy melodies and unpredictable improvisations, this homegrown band ensures a captivating listening experience. Their sound is characterized by a rhythm section steeped in hip-hop and funk, a solid foundation over which an effects-laden trumpet creates dreamy tones. Expect lyrical solos, rousing drum 'n bass breaks, and idiosyncratic compositions.

So if you don't have money for a return trip to space, don't worry, just come to Rotsoord for free and come swing to the space jazz of MEERKAT. Regardless of the weather, the band brings the feeling of a summer day at a festival with them. Sunglasses on, beer in hand, and let's go.