Zwemfest

October is almost around the corner, and this means the return of Zwemfest. As always, organised by student associations of the University of Groningen: VIP (Psychology), GHD Ubbo Emmius (History), GLV Idun (Life Science & Technology) & Ibn Battuta (Spatial Sciences). Member or not, everyone can join for an energetic night where six bands will play on the two VERA stages! Take a jump into the waters of Zwemfest 2026, and let yourself be surprised on the 1st of October

LINE-UP MAINSTAGE

The VELCRO
Emerging from The Hague’s underground, THE VELCRO fuses surf, punk and psychedelic fuzz into an explosive, high-energy sound. Known for their raw live shows packed with sweat, mosh pits and chaos, the band is rapidly making a name for itself.

Bony Macaroni
Have you been feeling a little nervous lately? Bony Macaroni sure has—but they’re not afraid to lay it all bare. The band has mastered the art of crafting emo pop songs about the hellish death spiral of a world we sometimes find ourselves in.

Magustry
Magustry preaches with a missionary zeal. They captivate the audience with roaring instrumentals and goosebump-inducing vocals that reach for your soul. With an atombomb of energy they blow you away, creating space to get closer to the core. Using postpunk with ethereal wings

LINE-UP DOWNSTAGE

Bruno Storm
Bruno Storm bridges dream and reality through cathartic Dutch Indie pop. His songs address universal, abstract themes such as growing older, learning, loss and celebration, approached from an intimate perspective that makes it more tangible. Drawing inspiration from Spinvis, Froukje, Sufjan Stevens and Sam Fender, he pairs evocative Dutch lyrics with dreamy yet energetic guitar-driven arrangements. Storm’s music makes room for emotional openness, challenging rigid ideas of strength and restraint.

Swimming Space Squids
Swimming Space Squids is a psychedelic garage rock band from Groningen. The group draws inspiration from the high-energy sound of Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and the experimental approach of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. However, the five-piece is primarily focused on creating its own slightly psychedelic universe. Long, spacey passages are combined with raw, almost punk-like elements. Prepare yourself for a spectacular aquatic journey through space during their performance.

VRLCHT
With free expression as their North Star, Groningen-based noise/sludge/experimental rock band VRLCHT holds nothing back; and that includes the message in their lyrics, where provocative and powerful progressive and anti-fascist ideas take center stage. Their performances evoke a range of emotions in the audience: surprise, overwhelm, melancholy, thrill. Meditative, calm moments of synth and spoken word lull the listener into a false sense of security, disrupted by howling, strained vocals, erratic instrumentation, and pure heaviness.