Singer Duncan Laurence gave the official starting signal for all Liberation Festivals in the Netherlands on Thursday afternoon at the Liberation Festival in Den Bosch. Prime Minister Mark Rutte lit the Liberation Fire.

Around 1.30 pm Laurence appeared on stage for the first musical performance of the day in North Brabant. An athletics club from Best then brought the torch with the Liberation Fire, which they had collected late Wednesday evening in Wageningen.

Rutte took over the torch and then ignited the fire together with, among others, mayor Jack Mikkers of Den Bosch. After igniting the flame, the Prime Minister is given a tour of the festival site.

Laurence is Ambassador of Freedom together with singing duo Suzan & Freek and rapper Donnie. This Liberation Day they are touring the various festivals in the country, including by helicopter.