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What is Paradigm?

Since 2011, Paradigm has been organising events and has become renowned for its distinctive programming, strong sense of community, artistic vision, and spirit of freedom. It is a well-established name within the national and international house and techno scene.

Since 2016, Paradigm has been based at the former Suikerunie site. The Paradigm grounds serve as a cultural breeding ground for hundreds of artists, staff members, creatives, freelancers, volunteers, and interns.

Paradigm Festival has been recognised by the Dutch public broadcaster VPRO as one of the most important and influential festivals in the Netherlands, making it highly valuable to both the Groningen and wider Northern Dutch cultural sectors.

Approximately 60,000 people visit Paradigm annually. While visitors come from across the Netherlands, many are students from Groningen and the surrounding region, for whom there are few other opportunities in the province or Northern Netherlands to experience events of this scale. Paradigm also attracts a significant number of international visitors, contributing positively to Groningen’s cultural landscape and international appeal.

Sustainability has been one of Paradigm’s core values long before it became a widely discussed topic. Much of the site and its stages are constructed from reclaimed and demolition materials. The artists responsible for decorating the grounds primarily work with recycled resources. We strive to create circular systems wherever possible and continuously seek new ways to improve sustainability and produce events responsibly.

A summary of our sustainability initiatives can be found at the end of this page.

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Where Do Paradigm Events Take Place?

Paradigm organises events on the Paradigm Festival Grounds, located at the former Suikerunie site. Some indoor events are held in the Zeefgebouw, which is also situated on the former Suikerunie premises.

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What Measures Does Paradigm Take to Minimise Disturbance?

We recognise that our events may affect the surrounding area. We take our responsibility towards neighbours and local residents very seriously and work hard to minimise any inconvenience. For this year’s events, we have implemented the following measures:

Sound Management, Monitoring and Control

Professional sound companies and experienced audio teams are engaged during all events. They help ensure that sound levels remain comfortably below the limits established in our permits.

Sound measurements are conducted throughout the events, both on-site and in surrounding areas, allowing us to monitor conditions closely and make adjustments whenever necessary.

We deliberately operate below the permitted maximum levels rather than close to the limit, not only to reduce disturbance but also to help prevent hearing damage among our visitors.

Sound Reduction Measures

DJ booths are positioned strategically to minimise their impact on the surrounding environment.

We also use cardioid subwoofer systems, which significantly reduce low-frequency sound emissions to the rear and sides of the speakers, helping to minimise noise pollution.

In the summer of 2022, sound barriers were constructed behind both the Forest Stage and the Romney Warehouse. These barriers substantially reduce the amount of sound travelling into neighbouring areas.

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Do You Have a Complaint?

As an organisation, we invest considerable effort in reducing noise disturbance. However, we cannot always prevent inconvenience entirely.

Please note that sound levels gradually increase throughout the day as events build towards their peak.

During the outdoor events listed above, a dedicated telephone team will be available to receive feedback and handle any complaints. This team can be reached during event opening hours on:

+31 (0)50 211 3002

You may also contact us by email at omgeving@paradigm050.com.

All feedback and complaints are recorded in a formal registration system, allowing us to respond appropriately and incorporate the information into our event evaluations. All personal information is treated confidentially.

Despite all of the measures described above, there is one factor beyond our control: the weather. Wind conditions, cloud cover, and rainfall can all affect how sound travels.

We continuously strive to balance vibrant festivals that reflect the values of Paradigm with minimal disruption to our neighbours and local residents.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, we would be delighted to hear from you.

How Do Visitors Travel to the Festival Grounds?

Visitors arrive at the festival in a variety of ways. Through our website and social media channels, we actively encourage the use of bicycles and public transport.

A significant proportion of our visitors come from the local area. For cyclists, a dedicated bicycle parking area is provided near the bridge leading to the festival grounds.

Is the Suikerunie Site and Its Businesses Accessible During Paradigm Events?

Yes. The Suikerunie site and all businesses located there remain accessible before, during, and after Paradigm events.

Is Festival Waste Properly Cleaned Up?

Yes. Paradigm works with a specialised cleaning company experienced in maintaining festival sites.

Throughout the event and after its conclusion, the company ensures that the grounds are cleaned thoroughly and responsibly.

Is Fireworks Used During the Events?

No. Fireworks are not used during or after any Paradigm events.

How Does Paradigm Contribute to Sustainability?

Since 2016, Paradigm has actively pursued climate-conscious and sustainable practices in a variety of ways:

• We do not use plastic tokens or disposable cups. Instead, we operate a deposit-return cup system and use cashless, card-only payments at all bars.
• Educational programmes are organised in collaboration with special education institutions, making use of the site's community garden and shared workshop facilities.
• Volunteers plant new greenery across the grounds every year, often in collaboration with artists.
• The site is connected to a permanent electricity grid, supplemented by battery-powered generators instead of diesel generators.
• Sustainable innovations are regularly tested during the festival in partnership with organisations such as Innofest.
• All food vendors serve exclusively vegetarian and vegan options.
• Stages, buildings, artworks, and decorations are constructed using as much reclaimed and recycled material as possible.
• Paradigm is a co-founder of GROENN (Green Events Northern Netherlands), a collective and advisory organisation dedicated to sustainable event management.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, three volunteers from Fair Future Generators conducted a comprehensive ecological assessment of the Paradigm site.

At Paradigm, sustainability is not a trend—it is a fundamental principle that continues to guide the development of our events, our site, and our community.

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