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27 April 2007
AMSTERDAM – Amsterdam is bracing for a crowded and very hot Queen’s Day. About a half million people have come to the capital to celebrate the day in previous years. The number could be even higher with good weather – which seems very likely this year.
The municipality is advising those planning to party in the capital to take the heat into account and be sure to drink plenty of water and soft-drinks. As always people who feel unwell can get free water from the first aid posts. They will have greater supplies on hand than usual.
Amsterdam won’t be taking any other precautions for the time being. Since the weather has been warm all week the city doesn’t expect a hot Monday to take anyone by surprise.
The NS will be adding carriages to trains to and from Amsterdam in order to accommodate the crowds. People are being advised to get off at the Amstel or Zuid station and take the metro or bus into the centre. Ongoing construction at the Central Station limits the station’s capacity for travellers passing through.
If you plan to take the train in to check out the festivities, the special Oranjetour ticket available at train ticket machines and ticket offices will allow you free use of public transport in the city on Monday. The ticket costs the same as a regular return ticket to Amsterdam.
In order to limit the traffic congestion and possible mishaps on the canals, boats must abide by one-way traffic regulations and are not allowed on the Brouwersgracht between the Keizersgracht and the Korte Prinsengracht.
Police will be checking at certain locations on the outer edges of the circle of canals to make sure those steering the boats are sober enough to sail. Drunken sailors will not be admitted into the centre.
The flea markets will open at 6 am, and may stay open until 8 pm.
Parties are being organised at several locations, the largest of which will be the Radio 538 party on the Museumplein, where artists Gerard Joling, Ilse de Lange, Krezip, Van Dik Hout, DJ Tiësto and others will all be performing.
Events are also planned throughout Amsterdam for Queen’s Night – Sunday evening.
[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]
Subject: Dutch news