| Holland is seen by most people as a lively country, | | | | to take a flight to Amsterdam, with British |
| with the commercial capital Amsterdam, viewed | | | | Airways or try to get a flight from one of the |
| as a party city. With its ring system of canals and | | | | budget airlines, and then a short train journey to |
| waterways, and all the world-famous museums | | | | either of the 't Harde or Lelystad stations, where |
| and historical sights which punctuate the city, | | | | free shuttle buses await to take party goers to |
| Amsterdam is regarded as one of the most | | | | the site. |
| romantic cities in Europe. A city of beauty, | | | | This year is the 30th birthday of the Kwakoe |
| diversity and tolerance, Amsterdam possesses all | | | | festival. This is an extended multicultural event |
| the attractions of a big city but is relatively small, | | | | which takes place each weekend in July and |
| quiet, and unspoilt by road traffic. During the | | | | August and is located in the Bijlmer region of |
| months of May to September the city opens | | | | Amsterdam. The festival itinerary includes music, |
| itself up to visitors in even greater numbers as | | | | sports, films, food, dancing and a variety of |
| the party feel cranks up a notch and festival | | | | cultural events. |
| season kicks in. | | | | De Parade is yet another Amsterdam festival |
| Dancevalley is a three day long dance festival | | | | event this summer, and can be found in Martin |
| which takes place on the outskirts of Amsterdam | | | | Luther King Park. Similar in style to a small |
| in the Spaanwoude nature reserve during mid July. | | | | Edinburgh festival, De Parade mixes culture, art, |
| Featuring some of the best dance acts and DJ's in | | | | theatre, comedy, food, music and a fair ground |
| the world this is a great festival, and with the | | | | ambiance, and is a great way to spend a warm |
| Prodigy signed up for this year's event, it is | | | | summer night with a cold beer or a glass of wine. |
| guaranteed to be one of the biggest European | | | | The summer months also see Amsterdam's |
| music festivals. | | | | Vondelpark transformed, by daily live theatre and |
| The Lowlands festival in August focuses on | | | | musical concerts, to become a hive of activity |
| alternative music, but also offers a full stand-up | | | | and entertainment both during the day and |
| comedy programme, along with visual arts, | | | | throughout the evening. |
| literature, film and theatre events. Situated near | | | | As a destination for a quick weekend away or a |
| to an artificial island in the middle of Holland called | | | | fully fledged holiday, Amsterdam is a great city to |
| Flevoland, the easiest way to get to the festival is | | | | visit, and during the summer it really comes alive. |