Her Majesty Queen Máxima and ESNS managing director Anna van Nunen officially opened the festival’s anniversary edition at De Oosterpoort. When asked what music means to her personally, the Queen said that music is essential: it expresses what we can’t do with words.

"See what 40 years of ESNS and European music has brought us.", said Van Nunen. "And I’m thinking about superstars such as Stromae or Dua Lipa, but we are equally proud of Mario Batkovich, the Bosnian/Swiss accordion player that amazed festival goers after playing ESNS. We all love Fontaines D.C., Stormzy and AURORA, but we equally love harpist Remy van Kesteren, who flows between pop and classical scenes. Let’s embrace the mainstream and the niches that Europe has!"

The Queen attended a live show by Dutch artist Goldkimono at the Kleine Zaal, who performed a rendition of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”. Later at the Binnenzaal, she witnessed a performance by Irish songwriter and performer Dove Ellis. At the end of her visit to Groningen, the Queen met with several artists who have played on the first day of ESNS 2026.