Indre Klenauskyte
Indre Klenauskyte

Indre is a location manager during the Vierdaagsefeesten: ‘The rest of the world seems to disappear for a while’

While for many colleagues the start of their holidays coincides with the start of the Vierdaagsefeesten, for Indre Klenauskyte, event manager at Radboud Events, it is perhaps the busiest time of the year. As location manager for the Valkhoffestival, her life consists of twelve days of coordination, organisation and troubleshooting. “I enjoy seeing the festival come to life in such a short space of time.”

Indre's work is actually a hobby that got out of hand. While studying International Economics and Business, she got a job as a student assistant at Radboud Events. She enjoyed it so much that after an internship at an events agency, she started her own company: Indre Produceert. Since then, in addition to her work for Radboud Events, she has been involved in organising the Music Meeting, De Nacht van de Ruimte (Space Night) and Arnhem Electricity Week.

And, of course, the Valkhoffestival. However, unlike the events she organises from start to finish, Indre only takes care of the execution shortly before and during the festival. “From Wednesday (9 July, ed.) onwards, I'll be busy for twelve days straight, coordinating, liaising and troubleshooting. That includes welcoming staff, arranging walkie-talkies, sorting catering and materials, and solving any issues that arise on the spot. My job is to make sure that everyone else, from the catering staff to the colleagues who welcome the artists, can do their job properly.”

Indre Klenauskyte

Working extra hard

Isn't that stressful? “I actually enjoy it. Right from the start, when you know that everything has to be ready on Saturday and everyone is working extra hard in the final hours to make sure that happens. In just a few days, you see the festival come to life before your eyes. Moreover, we work in a team where everyone shares the same passion. There's a certain charm to going all out together. The rest of the world seems to disappear for a while.”

In theory, there is time to catch snippets of the concerts in between tasks. However, those are not the moments that give Indre the most satisfaction. “I could take a few minutes to look at the stage, but then I'd mainly notice if something was out of place. I wouldn't be able to really enjoy the moment.”

After-work drinks and chatting

For Indre, the festival is a success when she sees that the audience has enjoyed themselves and everyone in the background is happy too. “Visitors don't usually notice it, but there are always problems. Those challenges are part of the job, and you never know what's going to happen during the week. If we can fix those problems without spoiling the atmosphere for those involved, I'm happy. The best thing is when everyone can stay behind afterwards for a drink, a chat and some banter. Then you don't see some of them for almost a year before it all starts again.”

Valkhoffestival
Het Valkhoffestival in 2024. Fotograaf: Wilco Lamers

Radboud University during Vierdaagse

 During the Vierdaagsefeesten Four Days Marches celebrations) from 12 to 18 July 2025, there will of course be much more to do besides the Valkhoffestival. There will also be room for science and in-depth exploration. Various Radboud scientists will take the public in Nijmegen on a journey through their research, including on the urban island of STEK and the Mariënburgplein. 

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