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Anniversary edition: 40 years of ESNS with theme Europe Calling

27 June 2025

From 14 to 17 January 2026, Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) celebrates its 40th edition. With the theme ‘Europe Calling’, the organisation wants to present a powerful call for unity at a time when geopolitical tensions and cultural divides increasingly shape the European landscape. The anniversary edition not only marks four decades of groundbreaking live music but also looks ahead toward a stronger, more connected European music community.

Not one focus country, but all European countries

For years, ESNS has spotlighted individual countries (such as Poland and Italy) as a focusland to celebrate Europe’s musical richness. But the 40th edition shifts focus to what unites us. With the Europe Calling manifesto, ESNS encourages artists, professionals, and audiences to embrace collaboration across borders.

“For years, shining a light on individual countries has helped us celebrate Europe’s rich diversity, but the challenges we face today demand more. Now is the time to bring those voices together and build an even stronger, connected European music community. Europe Calling is about more than identity, it’s about taking responsibility for our shared future. Music can bring us together. It’s time to make that connection louder than ever.”

Anna van Nunen, Managing Director of ESNS

Read the full Europe Calling manifesto on ESNS.nl.

Celebrating history

Over the past four decades, ESNS has helped launch the careers of artists like Dua Lipa, Stromae, Typhoon, Froukje and Anouk. In 2026, this tradition will be continued, but with a little extra. The festival honors that legacy with curated archival deep-dives, exclusive collaborations with media partners, pop-up activations and unique anniversary events.

Keep an eye on Buma Cultuur and ESNS.nl for updates.

Answer the call

Europe Calling is more than a theme. It’s a call to invest in local talent, in infrastructure, and in the values that keep our European music scenes thriving. Europe is the world’s second-largest music market, and its strength lies in connection. From 14 to 17 January 2026, Groningen becomes Europe’s music capital once again. Delegate passes are now available via ESNS.nl.

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