Date: July 27 til 30, 2023
Location: Lublin, Old Town, Poland
The enchanting city of Lublin, Poland, has played host to an extraordinary event that has been captivating the global slacklining community for over a decade. As representatives of the Lowlines, a group of enthusiastic slackliners from the East of the Netherlands, we recently embarked on a journey to the Urban Highline Festival held from July 27th to 30th, 2023. This unique experience not only showcased the art of highlining but also ignited our passion to introduce similar marvels in our home country.
Location: Sint-Johanneskathedraal
A Seamless Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Lublin’s historic Old Town provided the perfect backdrop for the Urban Highline Festival, where centuries-old architecture met modern-day thrill-seekers. Highlines, meticulously rigged between ancient buildings churches and modern buildings, transformed the cityscape into an exhilarating playground. Witnessing the harmonious coexistence of heritage and innovation left an indelible impression on us.
Location: Centrum Spotkanis Kultur (CSK)
A Secure Playground in the Sky
One of the festival’s remarkable aspects was its dedication to safety. Highlining is a daring endeavor, and the festival organizers ensured a controlled and secure environment for all participants. Rigging techniques were demonstrated with meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the importance of responsible setup. This commitment to safety resonated with us as organizers and participants alike, underscoring its significance in cultivating a thriving slacklining culture.
Location: Cracow Gate
Fostering a Community of Passion
The Urban Highline Festival was not just about daring feats on a line; it was a celebration of community. Slackliners from all corners of the globe converged in Lublin, forming bonds over their shared enthusiasm. Workshops and discussions nurtured an environment of learning and growth, emphasizing the significance of passing down knowledge to foster a thriving slacklining culture.
Location: Crown Tribunal
Bringing the Magic Home
As representatives of the Lowlines, our journey to the Urban Highline Festival was imbued with a sense of purpose. The experience fueled our ambition to introduce similar events in the Netherlands. Witnessing the fusion of urban charm, historical architecture, and contemporary adventure in Lublin ignited our creativity and determination to cultivate a slacklining movement that mirrors these principles.
Location: Town hall of Lublin
Looking Ahead: The Netherlands’ Slacklining Renaissance
Our visit to the Urban Highline Festival has instilled in us a vision for the future of slacklining in the Netherlands. By blending tradition with innovation, emphasizing safety, and fostering a close-knit community, we aspire to create an environment that nurtures the growth of this exhilarating sport. The captivating allure of Lublin’s festival has motivated us to bring the same magic to our own country, inspiring both locals and international enthusiasts to embrace the thrill of highlining.
In closing, the Urban Highline Festival is more than an event; it’s a catalyst for transformation. Lublin’s captivating blend of history, innovation, and community has shown us that the sky is not the limit—it’s the starting point of a journey towards new heights in the Netherlands’ slacklining scene.
Exploring Creativity: From Highlines to Juggling at the European Juggling Convention
Our journey in Lublin led us from the heights of highlining at the Urban Highline Festival to a whole new world of artistic expression. The 45th European Juggling Convention (EJC), happening from July 29th to August 6th, 2023. The EJC, a celebration of juggling in all forms, was truly captivating. Jugglers from various backgrounds, including beginners and experienced performers, converged in Lublin to share their craft. Beyond juggling, the convention embraced street performers, circus artists, and enthusiasts from around the world. Despite its “European” label, the event was a global melting pot, fostering connections across cultures and igniting creativity.
Looking Ahead: EJC 2025 in the Netherlands
As we marveled at the impressive juggling displays, excitement for the future took hold. The 47th European Juggling Convention is set to grace the charming city of Arnhem in the Netherlands in 2025. Against the backdrop of the Papendal complex.
Representing the Lowlines and deeply engaged in slacklining, we’re eagerly anticipating the exchange of skills and ideas that EJC 2025 will surely bring. Our experiences in Lublin have ignited our determination to infuse the magic of such events into the Netherlands’ cultural scene. The upcoming European Juggling Convention in Arnhem has the potential to reshape our country’s artistic and sporting landscape.
With the Urban Highline Festival’s fusion of historical charm, innovative spirit, and vibrant community, we believe Arnhem is the perfect canvas for such an endeavor. We’ve witnessed the transformative impact that highlines can have on a cityscape, offering a thrilling experience for residents and visitors alike.
As we look ahead to future possibilities, we extend an open call to the municipal authorities of Arnhem. We invite you to collaborate with us, to explore the potential of setting up urban highlines within the city. These highlines would not only introduce a unique and exhilarating activity to our community but also contribute to the city’s identity as a hub of creativity and adventure.
Imagine the historic architecture of Arnhem’s streets serving as a backdrop to daring feats of balance and skill. Picture the smiles and awe on the faces of both locals and tourists as they witness this captivating display. With careful planning and safety measures, we can ensure that this endeavor enhances the city’s charm while offering a controlled and secure environment for participants.
As representatives of the Lowlines, we are committed to bringing the spirit of the Urban Highline Festival to Arnhem. We envision a future where our city becomes a playground for slackliners, a canvas for creativity, and a destination that celebrates the thrill of pushing boundaries.
We eagerly await the opportunity to collaborate with the municipal authorities, to discuss logistics, safety measures, and the incredible potential that urban highlines hold for Arnhem. Let’s work together to create an unforgettable experience that leaves an indelible mark on our city’s landscape and culture.
In Conclusion: Celebrating Creativity and Connection
Our Lublin journey was a whirlwind of exploration, from defying gravity on highlines to witnessing the captivating skills of jugglers worldwide. These experiences have fueled our commitment to integrate the enchantment of such events into the Netherlands. With the forthcoming European Juggling Convention set to grace Arnhem in 2025, we eagerly await the opportunity to host an event that celebrates the boundless realms of creativity, skill, and the incredible power of human connection.