Concert at SEA 2026: lightning strike and evacuation cast a shadow over musical weekend

Concert at SEA 2026 was an edition of extremes. After two warm days the weather in Zeeland took a complete turn for the worse, bringing rain and a lightning strike. According to reports from Festileaks, the festival grounds had to be evacuated, though visitors were eventually allowed back in. The third day also got off to a chaotic start: the Bankzitters provided a flying start but were hit by a power outage right before their set. With just one minute to go before the band was due to take the stage, all power cut out. Even so, they still managed to deliver an energetic set to the crowd.

Musically, the festival had plenty to enjoy. NPO Radio 2 provided extensive live coverage and captured some special moments. Kensington performed their new single Livin For from a lighthouse standing nearly thirty metres above the festival grounds, a stunt that takes real nerve. Ilse DeLange went for a very different kind of spectacle, playing Something Good at sunset on the beach, a moment many described as magical. Krezip also took to the beach, performing a special version of Sweet Goodbyes, while BLØF could be heard live on NPO Radio 2 on Saturday 27 June.

Also on the lineup were Suzan en Freek, Frenna and DI RECT, among others. DI RECT closed out the first festival day on the main stage. Hannah Mae played a set of familiar songs but hinted in a conversation with presenter Paul Rabbering that new music is on the way, without giving away much in the way of details. Zoë Livay was experiencing her second Concert at SEA and said this performance went a lot more smoothly than her debut. Despite the weather troubles and technical setbacks on day three, Concert at SEA 2026 more than earned its place as a prominent fixture in the Dutch festival summer.

Sources: NPO Radio 2, Festileaks