The opening ceremony marked the start of the milestone edition of the European showcase festival and featured performances by German theatre duo Siegfried & Joy, Ukrainian artist Alina Pash, Dutch group YĪN YĪN, and Spanish singer Lia Kali.

The Dutch Queen Máxima opened the festival alongside ESNS managing director Anna van Nunen. During the ceremony, the Queen spoke briefly about the role of music, describing it as essential and as a way of expressing emotions that cannot always be captured in words.

Reflecting on four decades of ESNS, Van Nunen highlighted the festival’s long-term impact on European music. She referenced internationally recognised artists such as Stromae and Dua Lipa, as examples of the broad spectrum of artists connected to the festival over the years.

As part of her visit, the Queen attended a live performance by Dutch artist Goldkimono in the Kleine Zaal, where he performed a rendition of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”. She later watched a performance by Irish songwriter Dove Ellis in the Binnenzaal.

The visit concluded with a meeting between Queen Máxima and several artists performing on the opening day of the 2026 edition of ESNS, marking the ceremonial start of the festival’s anniversary programme.