Program
On Friday, September 18, 2026, the Rijnkade in Arnhem, at the foot of the iconic John Frost Bridge, will once again be the setting for Bridge to Liberation — an impressive commemorative show that takes center stage on the impact of the Battle of Arnhem and the value of freedom.
Presenter Lisette Wellens takes the audience on an impressive journey of discovery centered on the theme of Fleeing. Through four personal stories of people who had to evacuate during the Battle of Arnhem, Bridge to Liberation presents a performance about saying goodbye, starting over, being welcomed, exclusion, and resilience. The stories from the past are connected to questions that remain relevant today.
With a powerful mix of music, dance, film, and striking visual effects, the story comes to life. Performances by Kimberley Fransens, Ruben Hillen, and Josua Peters, together with Introdans, Phion, and backing vocals, make Bridge to Liberation an impressive experience that touches and connects.
Friday, September 18 | 8:30 PM | Rijnkade Arnhem
Livestream: www.bridgetoliberation.nl
Television: WNL on NPO 3 & Omroep Gelderland
THE IMPACT OF WAR
AND THE VALUE OF FREEDOM.
Before Bridge to Liberation, we commemorate the Battle of Arnhem (September 17-25, 1944) and the subsequent forced evacuation of Arnhem residents at the official commemoration at Airborne Square, in the presence of veterans. Attendees will then salute the veterans who still return to Arnhem with their families every year, keeping their stories alive and passing them on to future generations.
Artists
During Bridge to Liberation 2026, the audience is taken on a journey, both live and on television, through an evening full of music, dance, film, personal stories, and visual effects. At the foot of the John Frost Bridge, the theme of Fleeing center stage. Four personal stories of people who had to evacuate during the Battle of Arnhem form the common thread of the performance.
Kimberley Fransens, Ruben Hillen, Josua Peters, and Introdans deliver impressive performances, accompanied by Phion and backing vocals. Together, they pay a powerful tribute to freedom, resilience, and the stories that continue to connect us.
