Get ready for the queerest music night of the year! On Saturday, November 15th, the city of Middelburg will be draped in glitter and rainbows as it hosts the grand finale of the 29th COC Songfestival.
Starting at 8:00 PM in the city's main theatre (Schouwburg), this beloved celebration of LGBTQ+ talent will see nine acts from across the Netherlands compete for the coveted title. Guiding us through the evening of spectacular performances and community spirit will be the charismatic writer, presenter, and activist, Splinter Chabot.
The festival lands in Zeeland for the first time in 14 years, all thanks to last year's champions, Breakout, who secured a stunning victory for COC Zeeland & West-Brabant in Nijmegen with their song 'The One Who'll Find'.
"Bringing the COC Songfestival back to our region is a fantastic step in our association's growth," said Adri Nieuwkerk, interim-chair of COC Zeeland & West-Brabant. "We are incredibly proud to organize this festive event in Middelburg. Especially in these times, it's vital to create space for positivity, visibility, and awareness. We can't wait to make this an unforgettable celebration of diversity!"
The Contenders for the Crown
This year's line-up is a vibrant mix of heartfelt ballads, club bangers, and unapologetic queer anthems. With song titles ranging from the empowering 'Rainbow Child' to the wonderfully provocative 'Ach Flikker Lekker Op' (a phrase that cheekily reclaims a slur) and the bold 'Kut' (Cunt), the evening promises a powerful showcase of authentic expression. Here's who will be taking the stage:
- COC Eindhoven en Regio: Guido Lap - Rainbow Birthday Cake
- COC Friesland: LHBT-AI - Ach Flikker Lekker Op
- COC Kennemerland: Marco Edam - Schouders (Shoulders)
- COC Tilburg-Breda: Emily Salvia - In Deze Club (In This Club)
- COC Haaglanden: Petrichor - Rainbow Child
- COC Noordoost-Brabant: JACKPOT MAVAOTIC - Wonderland
- COC Limburg: Patty Pam-Pam - Kom Mer Mit! (Come On With Us!)
- COC Zeeland & West-Brabant: R-Jaye - Body Heat
- DWH Delft: Goed Gelikt - Kut (Cunt)
Who Decides the Winner?
The final result will be a 50/50 split between a regional jury, comprised of representatives from all participating organizations, and a professional jury packed with industry and community experts. This year's professional jury includes:
- Patricia Foort: Acclaimed singer
- The Countess: Middelburg's very own iconic drag queen
- Jacqueline van den Hil: Former Member of Parliament
- Myrtille Danse: Chair of COC Nederland
The Party Doesn't Stop!
And when the final "douze points" have been awarded, the celebration is far from over! From 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM, head over to the nearby eetcafé De Basiliek for the official afterparty. Get ready to dance the night away with beats provided by the incredible drag king and DJ, Hertog Jean.
Tickets and more information are available at the official COC Songfestival website: coc.nl/songfestival/editie-2025
Relive Last Year's Magic
Can't wait until November? Get in the mood by watching the full 2024 show from Nijmegen and see the moment Breakout won the trophy for Zeeland!
