"For us, ITGWO is just like Christmas," says Annemarie with a smile. "A fixed moment in the year, something you look forward to, something you belong to." She is 56, lives with Dennis in Amsterdam, and works for the government in Zwolle. Dennis, 53 years old, is a consultant at an international IT company, with a strong focus on sustainability. Both travel a lot, although this has changed significantly due to their work in recent years. "Working from home has actually become the norm," says Dennis. "And that fits well with how we view the world. Less emissions, living consciously." That same conviction is what attracts them to ITGWO. "The festival serves as a role model," says Dennis. "In terms of sustainability, but also in how it is organized. No massiness, but authenticity. With respect for nature, art, and culture." 

Dennis and Annemarie – Lighthouse Keepers

"We were festival lovers even before we had kids," continues Annemarie. "And when they arrived, we started looking for festivals that were kid-friendly." Coincidentally, they ended up on Vlieland, where they had been before. The combination of island, festival, and family turned out to be perfect. "It felt safe. The kids could roam free. It became a different way of experiencing festivals, but a very beautiful one." The children, now 21 and 22, have been regular visitors to ITGWO for years. "Eva was part of De Jeugd. And now she goes with her own group of friends," Annemarie proudly shares. "She always brings new people along, who she gets excited about it." Dennis adds: "And us? We keep going too. Every year again. It's a closing event for our festival season. A moment of tranquility and surprise."

When asked about highlights, they hesitate. Not because there is nothing, but because there are many. "I can still see Eva, as a little girl sitting at the front during a performance by Spinvis. Completely enchanted. You'll never forget that," says Annemarie. "Or that Japanese artist last year, Ichiko Aoba, at the Vuurboetsduin. It was so serene, so perfect for that spot."

Ichiko Aoba at Into The Great Wide Open 2024

For Dennis, it's often the small, unexpected moments. "Not the big names, but something that makes you linger. You chat with friends, and suddenly something starts happening in the forest. That's what makes ITGWO so special. Those open spaces, the feeling that anything can happen without you having to search for it."

Art is also an important part of their experience. They don't do the entire art route every year, but they always try to catch something. "Do you remember that ceiling in the forest?" asks Annemarie. She laughs. "Such an ugly office ceiling in the middle of nature. That contrast was good. I love that." What particularly moves them is how natural the experience is. "You set up a stage in the forest, and it works," says Annemarie. "Because the island is already such a powerful backdrop."

'Habitat' by Bouke Groen and Jerke Mulder, Into The Great Wide Open 2014

Since 2018, Annemarie and Dennis have been members of The Lighthouse Society. Why? "To be honest? I'm not quite sure anymore," says Annemarie. "Probably because of the ticket guarantee," adds Dennis. "But also because we truly care about the festival." They regularly participate in meetings and extra activities. "It's great to hear how the organization experiences it. And the insights into the organization, or just a good conversation." They would even like to be more involved. "I thought it was really cool that you could sign up last year to welcome the volunteers," says Annemarie. "Things like that give me the feeling that I can really do something. That sense of connection is what it's all about."

Music remains important. Annemarie makes a playlist every year, listens on the train, and makes a list. "Sometimes I even predict who will come," she laughs. "And sometimes I'm spot on!" Yet, it's no longer about chasing performances. "In the past, you rushed from one stage to another," says Dennis. "Now we are more relaxed. If we see 60% of our list, it's a lot. It's more about the atmosphere, being together, and being pleasantly surprised." When it comes to the future of ITGWO, Annemarie and Dennis are united: the festival needs to keep innovating, but not become bigger. "It's not a festival for the masses," says Dennis. "And that's exactly what makes it so strong."

A small message to the reader

Dennis: "Don't just look at the stages, but also discover the art. And the village, the church, the Vuurboetsduin. It's all part of the festival."
Annemarie: "And just be there. Without haste. The island takes care of the rest."

The Lighthouse Society is a group of around 125 enthusiasts who, in addition to a financial donation, also provide advice and perspective. Thanks to their support, Into The Great Wide Open can continue to provide space for art, music, sustainability projects, and ideas that tread outside the beaten paths. Would you like to contribute to the future of the festival and join the Lighthouse Society? There are still a limited number of spots available for 2026. Read more here for more information or to sign up.

Image by Luuk Roordink, Alicia Karsonopoero, and Sander Heezen.