The European World of Bluegrass festival is scheduled to return in May of 2022 after a four year hiatus. As before, it will be held in the Dutch village of Voorthuizen, and will showcase bluegrass bands from all across Europe in a three day festival.
EWOB had been held for twenty years until availability at the hosting venue was lost following the 2017 event. The board was able to put together a reformatted festival the following year, rebranded as European Bluegrass Voorthuizen, which brought in Peter Rowan as headliner, but the new name was not popular and did not catch on.
A new home for this iconic event had been found, but COVID shutdowns the past two years had made it impossible to plan festivals.
But plans are in place now at a new venue in Voorthuizen, De Eng, and the 2022 European World of Bluegrass will rise again from May 26-28. Like previous editions, there will be a trade show in addition to stage performances, plus gigs in pubs and restaurants in the villages of Voorthuizen and Barneveld, and workshops taught by experienced pickers. There will also be camping available where jams can be held at any time.
An online application is available on the EWOB web site for bands interested in showcasing, with some compensation and travel expenses offered for those who participate.
Volunteers are needed to help the board staff the event, and there is an application form for that as well online. Those who volunteer for a two hour shift receive free admission to the festival for that day.
Other festival details are likewise to be found online.
Despite the similarity in the names, EWOB is not affiliated with the IBMA or their annual World of Bluegrass events in Raleigh, NC.
