Permits, gamerules and safety

Oerol works closely with Staatsbosbeheer, Rijkswaterstaat, the police, Wetterskip Fryslân, the province of Friesland and the municipality of Terschelling. Without these organisations the festival would not be able to take place, so it is not without reason that they are called the festival’s stage managers. Clear agreements are made with these parties to protect the island and its nature. All contact with these organisations always goes through Oerol. Oerol applies for permits well in advance and discusses the possibilities of the various locations.

Permit conditions

The permits granted to Oerol include the following specific rules for the preparatory phase:

A maximum of two weeks before a location is put into use, a “quick scan” is performed on the location. Ecologists will check whether, for example, birds have started breeding on or near the playground. If this shows that your location cannot be used, we will look for an alternative in consultation with you.
From Sunday 1 June, set-up and rehearsals can take place on location.
During the rehearsal period it is necessary to rehearse with amplified sound as little as possible and to do this only for a run-through/dress rehearsal/try-out.
The preparations for the festival may not cause any inconvenience to the surrounding area until Sunday 8 June 2025. Playing (live) music and/or amplified sound is not permitted after 21:00 during this period.
In the days leading up to the festival (Monday 9 to Thursday 12 June) amplified sound may be used until 22:00. Exceptions to this are the planned try-outs and run-throughs (on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 June).
The performance volume is only used from the dress rehearsal onwards.
Expansion of locations is not permitted. Only moving performances to reserve locations is permitted.

Safety and first aid

With regard to safety, some responsibilities lie with the companies and some with Oerol.

Responsibilities of companies

Each company is responsible for a safe (read: occupational health and safety) working environment. This means that it is mandatory to work according to the occupational health and safety regulations.
Each group is required to have an approved first aid kit on site.
Each group is required to have an employee with a valid first aid certificate.
Each company is required to have a production risk inventory and evaluation (PRIE) with them and to have provided it to Oerol. Oerol will share a template with you for this purpose.
Each company is responsible for safe stage sets and, if applicable, must be able to demonstrate safety by means of proper structural calculations and certificates.
If your project is a building or if a building is integrated into the decor, you will have to provide construction drawings and/or strength calculations. You can have these carried out by our in-house constructor, for example. David collects all drawings/calculations on behalf of Oerol. These are then first checked by our own constructor and then sent to the province. If this applies to you, please contact David. He can provide you with advice. In any case, all buildings must be submitted to the Building and Housing Supervision. Only after they have given their approval may they be built at Oerol.
Each party is required, if applicable, to carry an inspection report and/or force calculation for lifting and rigging systems.
Each group must be able to provide environmental papers when using special materials and liquids.

Responsibilities of the Oerol organisation

Oerol ensures safe construction of stands and tents in accordance with the applicable standards.
Oerol provides each location with fire extinguishing equipment at the right places: one fire extinguisher for outdoor locations and two fire extinguishers for indoor locations. If you have additional wishes regarding these extinguishers, you can indicate this.
Oerol checks all locations for correct public seating arrangements with regard to emergency exits. Where necessary, these are illuminated or at least indicated by signs.
Oerol ensures that a first aid worker is present before, during and after performances when there are large audiences.
There are first aid stations on the Deining. The various Oerol production coordinators have a small first aid kit in their car.
Oerol checks together with the fire brigade whether the locations are actually set up as agreed on the day of the start and are therefore safe for the public. During the festival, a round is also regularly driven along all locations to check safety.

Gamerules on Terschelling

The following rules apply on Terschelling:

Almost all Oerol locations are located in protected nature reserves (Natura 2000 and silence areas). That is why it is important that cars are driven through these areas as little as possible. In many places this is also not permitted. Many Oerol locations are therefore not accessible by car, unless you have requested a special exemption in advance via the transport coordinator.
In some streets there is a parking ban. A temporary exemption can be requested via the transport coordinator of Oerol. Anyone without an exemption runs the risk of a fine, which is not reimbursed by Oerol .
Consider the speed limits on Terschelling. Outside built-up areas, the limit is a maximum of 80 kilometres per hour and within built-up areas, a maximum of 30 or 50 kilometres per hour. NOTE: the boundaries of built-up areas were moved a few years ago, meaning that on a large part of the island, you are not allowed to drive faster than 60 kilometres per hour. The police strictly enforce this. They also ensure that seat belts are worn (both in the front and back) and that hands-free calling is used.
Where necessary, Oerol places a chemical toilet on locations for use by the groups. It is not permitted to create a so-called natural toilet yourself.
Most locations are located on Staatsbosbeheer grounds. Interventions in nature are therefore prohibited. It goes without saying that every location, inside or outside, must be treated with care.
We are guests at the location. Be careful with the flora and fauna of Terschelling and keep the environment tidy. You are responsible for this yourself. All locations must be left clean.
There is always a smoking and fire ban on Terschelling, including during Oerol.
Flying drones is not allowed. The province of Friesland and Staatsbosbeheer have given one drone pilot a permit to fly at set times and locations during Oerol.