7 & 8 september 2025
7 & 8 september 2025
When Sjoerd saw images of protests, it struck him as an interesting starting point for a parade float. After a brainstorming session with the other designers, the focus shifted to the concept of unity. “We want to leave the protests in the middle, whether they are good guys or bad guys, the audience can decide for themselves,” says Sjoerd. As the cordon forms, the individual officers become a single unit. The emphasis in the execution is on the anonymity—deliberately, there is no emotion or character. It’s a single block that looms before you.
With this unity as the foundation and the idea that the riot police officers blend into one another, the designers began shaping from a single block of styrofoam. “I would have been seriously proud if that had worked. Then you’re truly a great sculptor,” says Hans, who has to admit that the quest ultimately failed. “The model was rebuilt three times, but that’s pretty much always the case.”
The heads will be powered by compressed air, while the shields and batons will be moved manually. The figures will shift from a relaxed posture to an alert stance. The movements themselves are not large, but they are synchronized, reinforcing the sense of unity.
In terms of colour scheme, the designers were inspired by Banksy: black, white, and the accent colour bright yellow. “Finally a good use for Yellow Heaven.” The designers are already calling on the hamlets for a flower exchange, as they do not intend for the flowers to be dyed with neon colors. “No cement mixers in the tent, no nonsense, just flowers.” Well, except for the batons: they will have a gummy-like coating, also to keep them light.
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Joël Sprenkels (49, solution architect) is designing for the 21st time. Hans Arnouts (30, art teacher) is designing for the eighth time. Sjoerd van der Linden (30, chemical analyst) is designing for the third time. All of them have remained loyal to Hamlet ‘t Stuk.
Original Dutch Text: M.E.
Translation: Saskia Molema
Photo: José van Trijp – Fotografie
Hamlet ‘t Stuk
www.tstuk.nl
This article is brought to you by Corsief. An independent magazine about corsos in general and the Zundert flower parade in particular. The magazine is produced entirely by volunteers, who are all more or less active in the Zundert flower parade world. Corsief is entirely full-colour and appears four times a year.