The Hello Festival in Emmen, Netherlands, is a popular annual music event held at the scenic Grote Rietplas, offering a vibrant mix of acts across different genres. In 2023, the festival took place on June 10 and featured an exciting lineup, including iconic names like Madness, Nena, Krezip, Suzan & Freek, and DJ sets from Kris Kross Amsterdam.

Madness headlined the festival, closing the event with classic hits like “Our House,” “It Must Be Love,” and “Night Boat to Cairo,” demonstrating why they remain one of the best live ska-pop acts decades into their career. The festival catered to a broad audience, from younger attendees enjoying high-energy sets by Kris Kross Amsterdam to fans of timeless hits performed by veterans like Nena.

The festival, which originated as Back to the ’80s before rebranding as Hello Festival in 2019, prides itself on creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, with a focus on community, fun, and dancing. Attendees enjoyed a well-organized day despite a few critiques regarding the variety of food options  . Plans are already in place for the 2024 edition, ensuring it remains a must-attend event for music lovers in the region.