Saturday , May Saturday , was an inspiring day! Together with PEP The Hague, Amare thanks to the Cultuurschakel network, we welcomed 2,000 visitors to the third edition of the Urban Volunteer Market and the Amateur Arts Festival 2026.

The afternoon was all about bringing people together: people and organizations, ideas and initiatives. With over four hundred musicians from twenty amateur ensembles in The Hague, 26 performances took place at four venues in and around Amare. The lineup was diverse, but the joy and energy were palpable everywhere. The importance of these kinds of initiatives and venues was once again made clear.

The opening was special: a special ensemble featuring the Residents Academy, four brass players from the Royal Conservatory, and the Magic Melody Brass Band. By performing each other’s music, they created a fresh mix of styles, ranging from classical to Caribbean rhythms. This collaboration is part of the Notes Beats & Bars project, which brings together classical and urban music.

In addition, there was a public rehearsal by the Residentie Orkest, an inspirational talk, and a workshop on “playing by heart.” Many participants noted how valuable it was to meet one another. New collaborations and ideas emerged spontaneously.

On the ground floor and first floor, a hundred community organizations set up booths to recruit volunteers. It was a perfect match for the concertgoers. After all, volunteer work and community life are the glue that holds society together. This is where people meet, inspire one another, and make a difference in others’ lives. Working together for a better The Hague.

The day featured performances by the Residentie Orkest, The Residents Academy together with students from the KC, Magic Melody Brass Band, Randstad Brass Adventure, Het Klein maar Dapper Orkest, Koninklijke Haagse Harmonie, Residentie Bach Choir, Gospel Boost The Hague, Vrijheidskoor, Mama Verhalenkoor, Pop Choir Pepperoni, Music Matters International Choir, ensembles from the Viotta Youth Orchestra, Vocal Joy, Kwasi Kloos, Ruta Voices, Kap Nâh Brass Band, Kunst naar Kracht Music Association, Streetband FF Anderz, and Eigen Hulp Street Orchestra.

This event was made possible in part by Fonds1818, Rabobank The Hague, Fonds RO, VSB Fund, Keep an Eye Foundation, and Fonds 21.

Photos by Michel Heerkens, Leontien Kröner, Arne Visser, and many other volunteers, among others.