Ahead of the festival, we spoke with Arieyne Schoormans, the driving force behind the Gang Fest. The Gang Fest is for everyone: families, groups of friends, fantasy lovers, history buffs and people who just want a fun afternoon. "We want to immerse visitors in a world where history and fantasy come together. It's a place where you can learn, experience and enjoy."
The Gang Fest
Don't be put off by the word "fantasy festival. Unlike some other festivals, where a professional costume seems almost mandatory, at the GangFestijn it is certainly not necessary. Of course you may dress up - and there is plenty of it - but the important thing is that everyone is welcome. "We want everyone to feel welcome, even if you've never read a fantasy book or dressed up in a historical costume," Arieyne said.
The Gang Fest
What you will encounter
During your tour of the festival grounds, you will come across all kinds of unique stalls. Here you will not find Temu stuff, but authentic, homemade creations, by enthusiastic stallholders, many of them from Brabant. The terrain is playfully divided over the woods around Castle Onsenoort. No crowded lawns, but idyllic forest paths that lead you from one atmospheric corner to another. As if you were walking through a living fantasy story yourself. A selection of what you will encounter:
- Re-enactment shows - from Hospital Knights & the Craft Ghylde: you just walk into a living piece of history.
- Spectacular Viking show with horses - Anouke Janssen of Raido Horsemanship brings a dazzling show you won't soon forget.
- Sword fighting for big and small - learn the basics of sword fighting in an accessible workshop by The Swords King.
- Fantasy writing workshop - do you dream of your own story? Django and Anaïd will help you get started with tips on writing your own fantasy story.
- AlfasLederWerken - bags, belts and accessories from a passionate leatherworker who brings old techniques to life by hand.
- Richard Raaphorst - maker of beautiful, handmade stringed instruments. Craft and musicality come together in each piece.
- Costume parade - for the daredevils who come dressed up. Participate or watch: both are a treat.
The Gang Fest
Also for children
There is also plenty to do for children at the BendeFestijn
- Historical hexathlon for teens - on Saturday, teens (12 to 18) can participate in a challenging historical hexathlon full of battle. Please note: Registration must be done in advance and can be done through The Screw Foundation's registration page.
- Professor Bombastix- a crazy street theater show about time travel, full of humor and wonder.
- Pony riding - for the youngest visitors a wonderful experience among all the fantasy characters.
- Face painting and hair decorations - transform yourself into an elf, knight or princess.
- Jarno Musters - master of making historical weapons, perfect for LARPers. His elf staffs and wands are also real eye-catchers.
- Vintage Fairy Design - colorful clothing inspired by nature, fairy tales and Celtic culture, also for adults.
The Gang Fest
Music and entertainment A variety of musicians and bands can be found throughout the grounds. Be surprised by the infectious string music of the Brabanders Flying Elephants, the raw sea sounds of the Pirates Picnic and the rousing Celtic folk music of Mc Hollander Folk. On the main stage, you'll also enjoy atmospheric performances by The Sessioniers on Saturday and Belgian band Triskelt on Sunday. And as icing on the cake, Richard Raaphorst will be there to entertain visitors with his homemade historical instruments (for sale and listening).
Will you also come and get lost in another world?
"The Gang Fest is not a standard market or event," Arieyne says in conclusion. "It's an experience. For two days you get to be someone else for a moment in another world." Whether you come for a good story, a battle with Vikings, a special atmosphere or a nice bite to eat - you don't want to miss this weekend. So write it in your calendar and experience it on June 14 & 15, 2025 in Nieuwkuijk.
Practical information
- Location: Castle Onsenoort / Abbey Mariënkroon, Abdijlaan 8, Nieuwkuijk
- Dates & times:
Saturday, June 14: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Tickets:
Buy your tickets here
- Flails (up to 11 years): free in presale / €2,- at the gate
- Bandits (12-17 years old): €5 in presale / €8 at the gate
- Vagebonden (from 18 years): €11,- in presale / €17,50 at the gate - Dogs welcome - if leashed.
- Food & Drink: There is a wide choice of regional delicacies, both snacks and meals and both sweet and savory, including vegan. Major sponsor is Eetsalon Van Iersel from Kaatsheuvel, which provides all volunteers with a hot grub).
- Accessibility: A large part of the terrain is paved. Ramps will be laid on unpaved paths for wheelchair users, mobility scooters and walkers.
- Low-incentive space: Is the festival just too much for you? Retreat to the quiet, low-incentive space. This way there is room for everyone, in his or her own way.
- Parking: There is a limited number of parking spaces. If at all possible, come by bike or public transportation. A shuttle bus runs every hour from bus stop 'De La Court' in Vlijmen.
- Payment: At the bar and catering you can pay with coins (2,50/coin), at the box office available with cash, but pin is also possible. Some exhibitors only accept cash, so bring some cash.
- Food and drink: From cookies and ice cream to wedges with grilled vegetables and bratwurst - eat like a real robber. Prices are low, own refreshments are not allowed.
- Smoke-free: Because the festival is suitable for all ages, we ask that the grounds remain smoke-free as much as possible.
