Sjoerd Janssen

“A party is, in my opinion, the best way to bring people together. I feel connected to Velden, and I find it important that people meet each other here and know how to find one another. Creating something beautiful together and making memories: that's what I do it for!

You can always wake me up for a fun party. For years, I celebrated Crazy Monday and Carnival with the float builders' group Boeit Neet. I still celebrate Carnival with friends from this group. In 2012, I was prince at De Wuilus and I contribute to the Village Festivals Foundation Velden. Every year, we organize a weekend full of activities on and around the Market with a group of volunteers. There is an extensive program in the tent and an end-of-summer market through the streets of the village. We aim to put together a program every year that appeals to people of all ages, so that everyone feels welcome.

The fun part for me is that you work towards such an event all year round. It's enjoyable throughout the year, not just in September. We've agreed with each other to save serious meetings for our work: the organization of the village festivals should mainly bring joy. And it works well!

I grew up on the Market Square in the heart of Velden. My childhood home was located where the supermarket now stands. Fairgrounds, Queen's Day, and of course the village festivals: it all happened right outside our front door, and I loved it as a child. When the village center of Velden was redeveloped, shops were built where our house used to be. We then moved a street further away. Now I live with my wife and our son and daughter on the edge of the village. Not as close to the Market Square anymore, but still in Velden.

I enjoy working with my hands and knew from a young age that I wanted to become an electrician. I went to vocational school in Venlo and then studied ICT & Technology in Eindhoven. Eventually, I ended up in industrial automation. I work as a service manager at a company that provides total solutions for businesses in industrial automation. I work a lot for logistics companies, but also for the agro-food sector and water boards. I am still very much involved with technology but also with business management matters. I continue to learn every day, which gives me a lot of energy. I find that important because if I feel like I'm standing still, I become restless.

I enjoy creating new things. At home, I built my own carport and a shed. Such projects give me a lot of satisfaction. Once people around you know that you're skilled with technology and electricity, you often get called to take a look. Last week, I installed electricity in someone's garden shed. For me, it's a small effort, and for the other person, it's complicated abracadabra that they'd rather not tackle themselves.

I am always ready to help, and that's how it all started at the village festivals. I was asked to assist with the lighting and sound installations, and one thing led to another. In the run-up to the 2026 edition, I will take on the role of chairman."