During the opening show, ESNS looks back on the past 40 years with interviews, archive footage, and contributions from former Popprijs winners and European Commissioner Glenn Micallef. With Europe Calling, ESNS also looks to the future. The manifesto will be delivered by Vlad Yaremchuk, affiliated with the Atlas Festival in Ukraine and Music Saves Ukraine.

After Her Majesty Queen Máxima and ESNS director Anna van Nunen officially open the anniversary edition of the festival, the Queen will go to the Kleine Zaal, where she will attend the live show by Goldkimono. In the Binnenzaal, Queen Máxima will watch a performance by Dove Ellis, a songwriter and performer from Ireland.

At the end of her visit, Queen Máxima will speak with artists who are performing on the first day of Eurosonic 2026 as well as artists who have performed at the showcase festival in previous years.

Lights off, spot on Europe. The ESNS26 Conference starts with a bang on Thursday morning. When Siegfried & Joy float across the stage or spread out their magical golden cloth, they destroy all magic show clichés. For ESNS' 40th birthday the magic duo presents a special show, inspired by the Europe Calling manifest. With sensational illusions, captivating interaction and just the right amount of self-irony, the two magicians will take over De Oosterpoort for the 40th edition of ESNS. Come celebrate with us!

Visitors with an ESNS Wednesday ticket, an ESNS Passe-Partout or a Delegate Pass can attend the spectacular opening at De Oosterpoort. Delegate Passes are still available, so buy yours quickly via the button below, or set up a notification via our official resale platform for ESNS Wednesday tickets and passe-partouts.